Al Hakam - 24 November 2023 by Alhakam

UN at risk of collapse amidst World War: Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continues to highlight plight of oppressed Palestinians Page 6

True understanding of Finality of Prophethood: Reconciliation of two conﬂicting narrations by Imam Ibn Qutaybah

Rise and fall of The League of Nations: A timely lesson for the UN

Letter to Osama bin Laden

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 24 November 2023 | Issue CCXCVII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7388

‘The righteous shall inherit the Land’

Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa

God’s help through His angels

َ َ َ َ َْ َ ّٰ ‫ﻋ ِﻦ اﻟ� َ�ا ِء رﺿﻰ ا�� ُ� ﻋﻨﻪ ﻗﺎل ﻗﺎل‬ ٰ َّ َ ُّ َّ َ ‫ا��ّ ُ� َ�ﻠ َ ْﻴﻪ َو َﺳﻠَّﻢ��َ َّﺴ‬ ‫ﺎن‬ ‫اﻟﻨ ِ��ﺻﻠﻰ‬ ِ ِ ُ ْ َ َ َْ ْ ُ ُ ْ ‫ﺎﺟ�ِ ْ� ـ َو ِﺟ� ِ�ﻳﻞ َﻣ َﻌﻚ‬ ‫ﻫ‬ ِ ‫اﻫﺠ�� ـأو‬

Belgium waqifaat-e-nau’s mulaqat with Huzoor

Hazrat Bara’ra narrates, “The Prophetsa said to Hassanra ‘Respond to their lampooning and Gabriel is with you!’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab bad’i l-khalq, Bab dhikri l-mala’ikah, Hadith 3213)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Compassion makes us human “Compassion towards creation is such that if a person abandons it and becomes distant from it, they gradually turn into a beast. The very demand of humanity is this, and a person remains human so long as they deal with their fellow beings with kindness, good conduct, and benevolence, making no distinction whatsoever in this regard.” (Al Hakam, 10 November 1905; Malfuzat [1988], Vol. 4, pp. 216-217) Katalin Salles | Unsplash

On Sunday, 19 November 2023, a group of waqifaat-e-nau from Belgium had the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat. At the outset of the mulaqat, Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and called upon Nazma Waheed Sahiba to recite

a portion from the Holy Quran. This was followed by its Urdu translation, presented by Aisha Musawwir Sahiba. Next, Sima Ehsan Sahiba presented a hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and Sabeeka Ahmad Sahiba presented the translation. Nadia Ahmad Sahiba was then called

to recite a poem composed by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Huzooraa then addressed Secretary Waqifaat-e-Nau and said that they should have also presented an extract of the Promised Messiah, “Even if it is a short extract or paragraph, it can serve as a reminder that in this era, the Promised

Messiahas has come and what he desires from us through the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa.” Huzooraa added that they should be included in the programmes. “After the hadith, an extract should also be presented.” Huzooraa then enquired about their location, Continued on next page >>

Friday 24 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

2 << Continued from previous page

and the secretary mentioned they were at the Baitul Mujeeb Mosque. Huzooraa was then informed that there were 83 waqifaate-nau members aged 7 to 20 present in the hall; and a total of 162 waqifaat-e-nau members in Belgium. Following this, waqifaat-e-nau had the chance to ask some questions and seek guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. Qaishmeen Shehzad Sahiba said that she prayed that war does not break out in the world, however, she added that if, God forbid, war does break out then what crops should be grown after the war? Huzooraa said, “In each region, in each country, crops are cultivated according to the specific conditions unique to that area. The same crop conditions cannot be everywhere. For example, rice cannot be grown in Europe due to its colder climate, just as some crops cannot grow in warmer regions. Therefore, in each region, crops are cultivated in accordance with their specific conditions. The staple food of an area is what will be grown, whether it’s before or after war.” Huzooraa added, “After World War II, Russia was in a devastated state. The farmers in Russia cultivated their own crops and transported them to the city.” Huzooraa explained that the residents of the city had nothing to eat, and the farmers would exchange their vegetables and crops for necessities they needed in the city. “As challenges arise, humans then adjust to them,” Huzooraa added. In the end, Huzooraa emphasised again that in each region, crops are cultivated based on the specific conditions unique to that place. Dania Chaudhry Sahiba mentioned that in Belgium, teachers are not permitted to display the religion they are affiliated with, such as wearing the hijab. She explained that she was in the process of becoming a primary school teacher and asked how she could integrate her religious values into her teaching so that she could explain her religion better to the students and her

colleagues. Huzooraa said since she would be teaching little children at a primary school, she would obviously need to show her face and interactively engage with them. Discussing the dress code, Huzooraa explained, “One’s attire should reflect modesty, with the head also being covered.” Huzooraa added that she could say, “‘This clothing represents modesty, and I feel it is appropriate for me to wear it to uphold modesty.’” Huzooraa explained that the value of modesty is emphasised in all religions and narrated that when Prophet Mosesas migrated and encountered two girls at a water source, their modesty prevented them from approaching where the men were. Huzooraa described how the girls, out of modesty, declined to get water for their animals in the presence of men. Huzooraa continued, “Prophet Mosesas took their animals and gave them water. Later, the Holy Quran mentions that one of the girls approached Prophet Mosesas bashfully and said, ‘My father calls thee’ [Surah al-Qasas, Ch.28: V.26]; and even then, modesty is highlighted. This illustrates that women should maintain modesty, as in it lies their dignity and honour. The teaching of modesty is not exclusive to Islam; it is a common principle across religions.” Huzooraa went on to give the example of Hazrat Maryamas and said that she also wore modest clothing, and nuns do so too. “We are those who practise our religion,” Huzooraa said. Farheena Yusuf Sahiba mentioned that at times, a person may face great trouble from another individual and find it challenging to forgive them. She then asked, in such a situation, what should one do? Huzooraa said, “One should have control over their emotions. If one has a relationship with Allah – and an Ahmadi Muslim girl, boy, or person, should have a relationship with Allah – then, if someone causes distress, one should lovingly explain to them that ‘this behaviour was wrong.’ If they keep on, it is advisable to leave that place. Regarding the question of forgiving, one must evaluate if

the person has reformed; if they have, one should not hold a grudge, regardless of the severity of the trouble they caused. However, if someone does not reform, it is better to keep distance from them and remain among your good friends.” Saira Ahmad Sahiba enquired about the fulfilment of the Holy Quran’s promise that the Holy Land would be granted to the righteous people. She asked about the timeline for when this Land would be given to the righteous and when true peace would be established, especially considering the current oppression faced by the people of Palestine. Huzooraa said: “[...] If you read the first ruku‘ of Surah Bani Isra’il, it is also written about this therein, and the tafsir explains the matter. Allah Almighty had said that the Israelites would be given the Land twice; the first time they would be granted it, then they would engage in frivolous acts, rebel, deviate from Allah’s commands, and commit oppression, and consequently, they would lose that Sacred Land. [...] Hence, the Land was again taken from them and came under Muslim control. Then, once again, it was returned to them. “This means that among the Muslims, too, there will be those ‘righteous servants of Allah’ [‘ibadi as-salihun (Surah al-Anbia, Ch.21: V. 106)]. Therefore, we should first strive to become such servants of Allah who are regarded as righteous in His sight. We should not deceive ourselves into thinking, ‘We follow righteousness, we are very virtuous, and since we recite La ilaha illAllah Muhammadur Rasulullah, it is our right to receive everything that Allah has promised.’ Allah’s promises to us are conditional upon our good deeds, fulfilling the rights of Allah, fulfilling the rights of His creation, and striving to follow His commandments. In this age, Allah Almighty sent the Promised Messiahas for this very purpose; to present the teachings of Islam brought by the Holy Prophetsa – which Muslims have forgotten and are not following correctly – in their true light and to remind them to act upon the true teachings of Islam. For this purpose,

‘Alhamdulillah for this blessed opportunity’: Waqifaat-e-nau from Belgium meet with Huzoor Mohammad Arsalan Belgium Correspondent

On 19 November 2023, waqifaat-e-nau from Belgium had the opportunity to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat. Below are some impressions from the participants: Ashna Emar said, “This will truly be an unforgettable memory. I will always be grateful that our beloved Huzooraa made time for us.” Aisha Musawwir Ahmad expressed, “I found this class very informative. Huzooraa explained everything with very detailed description, and his smile while explaining something filled me with hope.” Nazma Waheed shared, “I had a really

good moment, alhamdulillah. I learned a lot and will try my best to do what Huzooraa said. I will always remember this moment. I will also try my best to be a good waqifa-e-nau.” Faria Ahmad said, “It was a really great and beautiful opportunity. I am grateful that I got to be a part of this special experience. I will do my best to follow and apply the things that Huzooraa has taught.” Sibgha Ijaz expressed, “I found this mulaqat very special and am glad that I participated in it. Huzooraa answered all the questions in detail, which I truly appreciate. Huzooraa is very affectionate and guided us through the mulaqat.” Fozia Younas shared, “One thing I will never forget is that we should take care of orphans, especially in today’s

world when Palestinian children are losing their parents. Also, we should try to forgive people, even after they have wronged us. Alhamdulillah for this blessed opportunity.” Dania Chaudhry said, “I was very stressed, but I was grateful that I got the opportunity.” Isha Ahmad said, “I am very thankful to Huzooraa for granting us time from his precious schedule. Frieha Javed expressed, “I cherished the mulaqat experience deeply. The session was enriching. An enduring lesson I gained is the importance of caring for orphans, especially amid today’s struggles where Palestinian children are losing their parents. Additionally, embracing forgiveness, even after being wronged, remains pivotal.”

Allah Almighty established a Community through the Promised Messiahas. “The prophecy of the coming of the Messiah and Mahdi was also declared by Allah Almighty in the Holy Quran, in Surah alJumu‘ah, and through the Holy Prophetsa in the Hadith. Now, if the Israelis have once again gained control and are committing oppression, then it is Allah’s promise that they will lose this rule, but when this will happen and when those ibadallah as-salihin will arise, only Allah knows best. “When they arise among us, that Sacred Land will be given to us. The righteous servants are those who pray and perform good deeds; the Land will not be acquired through swords. The Promised Messiahas after his advent, ended such fighting and warfare, in accordance with the prophecy and the Hadith of the Holy Prophetsa. This means that we should focus more on prayers; if we pray, perform good deeds, fulfil the rights of Allah, and fulfil the rights of His creation, then we will also be saved from these oppressors. So, the Palestinians, the Arabs, the Muslims, and all of us need to reflect on how to become righteous servants. Are we to become so by following the Imam of the Age, or at the very least, should we [i.e., the Muslims] not reach a state where our deeds become pleasing to Allah? “Then we will regain the Sacred Land, but it is evident that the Israelis, who are committing oppression, will eventually lose this Land, when this will happen, only Allah knows best, and then the Land will be given to the righteous people, who will be those fulfilling the rights of Allah. In this era, I believe, the majority of such people will be those who have accepted the Promised Messiahas. “The oppression that is happening, and the oppression that the Israelis continue to inflict on the Palestinians, will lead to their downfall. I have already conveyed this message to them through various means on several occasions. This is also written in the Psalms, and the same has also been mentioned in Surah al-Anbiya. “If you want to read the interpretation, and you can read Urdu, then read it in Tafsir-eKabir; it is mentioned in both Surah Anbiya and there are also a couple of verses in the first ruku‘ of Surah Bani Israel. [...] In this way, you will get a detailed understanding and you will also find references to the Bible, about what it said to the Israelites. [...] Coincidentally, both pericopes have been excellently interpreted by Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra.” Subsequently, Huzooraa advised that Lajna Imaillah as well as the Jamaat as a whole should extract the exegesis of these sections – which is already available in both English and Urdu – and distribute it among people. Huzooraa said, this should be done everywhere, as according to the current circumstances, it is highly contemporary. Kashifa Quddus Sahiba asked Huzooraa about children whose parents passed away at a young age and asked why Allah tests these children. Huzooraa replied that we do not know in what other ways Allah blesses them. “Not every child comes to you to share the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah. It is Allah’s law of nature that when one falls ill, has a fever, experiences an accident, or encounters other challenges, humans will eventually pass on.” Huzooraa continued,

AL HAKAM | Friday 24 November 2023

“Often, such incidents happen due to human mistakes. When human errors occur and subsequently cause harm, it is the law of nature.” That is why, Huzooraa stated, Islam makes it mandatory to care for and raise orphans. If one’s parents pass away at a young age, it becomes a responsibility to look after orphans. Huzooraa further said that the Holy Prophetsa highlighted the high rank of those who care for orphans by saying, “‘I and the one who looks after orphans will be raised on the Day of Judgement like this,’ and he illustrated this by joining his two fingers together, indicating that they will be together at one place. This highlights the elevated status that the Holy Prophetsa has given to those who raise and support orphans. “Thus, if, for any reason, someone’s parents pass away, leaving behind an orphaned child, the responsibility to care for, educate, and raise the orphans falls upon society, the Jamaat; if they [the orphans] lack in resources, then provisions should be made to support them. If the orphans have property, it should be safeguarded, and when they come of age, it should be handed over to them. If the caregiver lacks the means to provide for the orphans, they can, in an appropriate manner, use resources from their property to support the orphans, just as their parents would have cared for them. When the orphans come of age, their rightful ownership should be transferred to them. This is Allah’s commandment for us.” Huzooraa then reiterated the hadith he mentioned earlier and added that the Holy Quran has mentioned this in many places. Huzooraa emphasised that Islam has bestowed an important responsibility of looking after orphans, considering it mandatory. “If one fails to fulfil this task, it is deemed a sin. Thus, when parents pass on, it becomes our duty to look after their offspring. This is why Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya has established the Yatama Fund, through which orphans are supported, provided for, and ensure their upbringing. There are also Darul Yatama facilities or orphanages here, in Africa, and other countries, making sure orphans receive proper care and nurture.” Isha Ahmad Sahiba asked why men do not

wear topis during Hajj or Umarah. Huzooraa smiled and asked, “Why didn’t you ask why they removed their usual attire and only wear an ihram instead? [...] It is not only a matter of [not wearing] a topi; they also shave their hair too. During Hajj, men shave their heads unless there is a medical illness that prevents them from doing so; and in such cases, sadaqah and fasts are acceptable alternatives. So, Hajj and Umrah create a situation where humans return to their natural condition and stand before Allah.” Huzooraa further explained that there are worldly etiquettes where people wear good clothes when meeting someone and gave an example of how Europeans used to tip their hats when meeting someone, although this is not a common practice now. “The religion of Islam teaches,” Huzooraa went on to explain, “that when leaving the home, one should be appropriately dressed, with the head covered; in this, there is wisdom to uphold one’s dignity and honour. When standing before Allah the Almighty, women are commanded to cover their heads and offer their salat; and similarly, men are to do the same – this is another form of worship. However, concerning Hajj, it represents an extreme level of worship. The natural state of humans is expressed through this act, which is why the head is shaved—a concept present in various religions. For instance, among Buddhist or Hindu monks, many choose to cut or completely shave their heads, indicating a shared concept. Every religion introduces the idea of extreme humility, such as shaving one’s hair and presenting oneself completely, and submissively before God. Hence, Hajj and Umrah hold a special status where one approaches God with utmost humility; that’s why neither a topi is worn nor the head is shaved, and men are wrapped in ihram. As for women, they wear their regular clothes.” Fatiha Khalood said that some people are fans of certain pop groups and asked if it was permissible to hang up their posters in their rooms. Answering the question, Huzooraa said, “It is not permissible for you, whether it’s a pop song [group] or any other.” Huzooraa added that such things are for worldly people and

not for us. Laiqa Quddus Sahiba, a student of pharmaceutical science, said that during ijtemas and other functions, at times, they are unable to achieve their target. She asked Huzooraa how to deal with it when they feel discouraged. Huzooraa said that regarding the target, educational standard, or attendance, “Our duty is to make efforts” and keep explaining to people. Huzooraa emphasised the importance of hard work and prayer. He added, “Being discouraged is out of the question; continue to pray and work hard.” Zaina Ahmad Sahiba asked if waqifa-e-nau should consider a student job. Huzooraa said that one should refrain from this unless they have a genuine reason. He added that if they desire to work, they should work, volunteer, and dedicate time to the Jamaat so that they can increase in religious knowledge and please God. Huzooraa emphasised, “If someone has a genuine need and is starving, then, if they work, there is no trouble.” Khawaja Afiya Tariq Sahiba asked how one can be free from becoming addicted to phones. Huzooraa smiled and jokingly replied, “If one has a phone in their pocket, take it out and throw it against the wall and break it – and the addiction shall subside.” Huzooraa added, “The matter is that one should not be addicted to anything. Allah has prohibited us from being addicted to anything. However, if one must be addicted to something, then one should be addicted to Allah’s love and service to religion. Offer the five daily prayers attentively – this should be your addiction: to offer salat attentively.” In light of offering salat, Huzooraa added that being addicted to phones, tablets or other such devices is wrong. One should offer salat on time and attentively. Huzooraa added that one should read the Holy Quran with great focus, especially waqifaat-e-nau, as their parents have dedicated their lives to the service of religion. Huzooraa explained, “To be a helper of religion, one must first establish a relationship with Allah. To establish a relationship with Allah, one must offer salat

attentively.” Additionally, Huzooraa added, that one must read, understand, and follow the Holy Quran, and maintain good morals; “when one incorporates all these habits, they shall have very little time left to spare on their mobile phones. And when you do have time to spend on your phone, utilise it for good things.” Nayab Sahiba mentioned that Prophet Jesusas was saved from crucifixion and migrated. She asked why there was no mention of him, even though he lived a long life after that. Huzooraa said, “Incidents are available; one only has to read.” Now, even people have started writing books on this topic. Huzooraa added that the Promised Messiahas has written about this in his book, Jesus in India. Huzooraa mentioned that many accounts exist that show where he migrated, where he stayed, and eventually how he went to Kashmir, where he was buried. Maliha Khan Sahiba asked why Allah has many attributes. Huzooraa replied, “It is because Allah the Almighty’s powers are limitless; Allah has more attributes than those of which we know.” Sumayya Tahir Sahiba asked how one can be pleased with Allah’s decision. Huzooraa explained that one must first establish faith in Allah. He asked her if she believed in God, if she offered her prayers, and if her prayers or desires were ever accepted. To this, the questioner replied in the affirmative. Huzooraa then went on to say that he has, on many occasions, shared narratives about individuals, including children, who have given chanda and received Allah’s blessings. Huzooraa said that such instances must have occurred with her too, to which she replied in the affirmative. Huzooraa explained that if one ponders that Allah’s love is immense and does much for us, then we must obey His commandments. Additionally, Huzooraa added, that when the outcome of something is not as we desired, then we should be content with His will. Huzooraa reminded her that Allah says that if one is grateful, He will surely give more. (Surah Ibrahim, Ch.14: V.8) Adeela Ahmad Sahiba said that Allah states in the Holy Quran, “If you give alms openly, it is well [and good]; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you,” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.272), and asked what is the wisdom behind giving alms openly. Huzooraa said, “At times, people give chanda or sadaqah for show, or they help the needy solely so that people can see how generous they are. For such people, Allah has advised them to give secretly; if one gives secretly, then it’s a good thing. Some people conceal what they give to such a degree that others do not even find out.” At times, in certain situations, if one gives sadaqah, chanda, or helps out the needy or orphans, then others will be reminded to also do the same. Thus, one person’s giving alms openly can have an effect on others to do the same. “However,” Huzooraa said, “if the one giving alms is doing so just so that others say good things about them, then this is wrong.” In the end, Huzooraa addressed Secretary Waqifaat-e-Nau once again and said that they should, in future, also present an extract of the Promised Messiahas. “It is necessary for tarbiyat.” Huzooraa then conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a successful end. (Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 24 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History A glimpse into the rich history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat 24 November 24 November 1886: The Promised Messiahas had been in Ambala, India, for the last two months. On this day, Huzooras spent his last day in Ambala, making preparations to arrive back in Qadian the following day. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, p. 302) 24 November 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra reached Qadian after his tour of Europe. On this day, he initially arrived in Batala via train and then travelled by car to complete the ﬁnal phase of this long journey to Qadian. After meeting with Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira, Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra, and others, Huzoorra embraced Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and other close relatives. Thereafter, Huzoorra performed ablution before heading to Bahishti Maqbarah, and prayed at the grave of the Promised Messiahas. Before entering his residence, Huzoorra oﬀered two rak‘aat of voluntary prayer at the Mubarak Mosque. After Asr prayer, Huzoorra presided over

a reception held in connection with the successful tour of Europe. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 463)

24 November 1989: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh instructed the Jamaat members to adopt these ﬁve basic characteristics: 1. The habit of speaking the truth 2. The use of a soft, humble and respectful way of speaking 3. Control over one’s feelings in a balanced manner 4. Sympathy for the poor and removing their misery 5. To be courageous and resolute in the way of Allah (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 861)

25 November 25 November 1895: On this day, the Promised Messiahas published an announcement in which he wrote about a few subjects from his book, Sat Bachan, so that followers of the Sikh religion may learn of the reality and contents of the book. Huzooras also mentioned,

in great detail, how Christian priests were opposing Guru Baba Nanak and were writing articles against him and the Sikh community. (Majmu‘ah-eIshtiharat [2019], Vol. 2, pp. 69-74)

25 November 1998: The noble project of building 100 mosques in Germany was introduced by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. On this day, the foundation stone of the ﬁrst mosque of this project – Baitul-Hamd Mosque in Wittlich – was laid. (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 4, p. 896)

26 - 27 November 26 November 1932: On this day, students of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian set out for Saharanpur, India, for the purpose of tabligh. This delegation consisted of 29 members and was under the supervision of Maulvi Arjumand Khan Sahib. The group would take part in sports competitions during the day and deliver speeches

in the evenings before Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis. The speeches attracted huge crowds and covered a variety of religious topics. Their journey was completed on 9 December 1932. The group covered the following major cities: Jalandhar, Phillaur, Ludhiana, Ambala, Delhi, Aligarh, Meerut, Deoband and Saharanpur. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 6, p. 81)

27 November 1914: During his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra drew the attention of the members of the Jamaat towards the construction of the MinaratulMasih and said that it should be completed. Due to a lack of funds, the construction had remained incomplete for several years. Huzoorra stated that the completion of this minaret would be a harbinger of many blessings. After the Friday prayer, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra relaunched its construction with prayers and also placed a brick at the construction site. The Promised Messiahas had decided that the names of those who donated at least 100 rupees for this minaret would be engraved on the minaret as a memorial. Thus, in 1929, the names of 211 devotees were inscribed on the minaret, which are still visible today. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 4, p. 161) 27 November 1942: While delivering his Friday Sermon on this day, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra highlighted the harmful impact of music, especially songs that were played on the radio in those days. Huzoorra acknowledged that although the radio, at times, would have interesting and knowledgeable discussions, one should take that which is useful and discard the rest. (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 23, p. 514)

28 November Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressing the inaugural reception of Umar Mosque, Kerala, India

28 November 1957: A local

AL HAKAM | Friday 24 November 2023

24 - 30 November

First-ever Jalsa Salana held in Lithuania

newspaper from Rawalpindi, Pak Kashmir, published a forged letter, falsely ascribing it to Sahibzada Haﬁz Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh. This shameless episode had to be brought to the attention of the authorities. A defamation lawsuit was registered. On this day, the court issued its verdict and this newspaper was ﬁned by the court. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 18, p. 507)

28 November 1964: On this day, an international Eucharistic Conference was held in Bombay, which was attended by Pope Paul VI. Jamaat members spread the message of Ahmadiyyat there and distributed literature. (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 22, p. 533)

29 - 30 November 29 November 1933: On this day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra blessed the inauguration ceremony of another mohalla (locality) named Dar-ul-Sa‘ah in Qadian. On this occasion, Huzoorra laid the foundation stones for a local mosque and the houses of some workers of Jamaat oﬃces. (Tarikhe-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 6, p. 135) 30 November 1898: The Promised Messiah’sas book, Raaz-e-Haqiqat

[A Hidden Truth], was published on this day at Zia-ul-Islam Press, Qadian. Alongside other subjects in this book, Hazrat Ahmadas presented his research about the journey of Prophet Jesusas towards Kashmir after escaping the cross and cruciﬁxion, along with a detailed map of the tomb of Jesusas in Mohalla Khanyar on page 68 of the book. (See Raaz-e-Haqiqat [A Hidden Truth], Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 14, pp. 151-176)

30 November 1901: An amin ceremony (a gathering to mark the ﬁrst complete recitation of the Holy Quran by a child) was held in Qadian on this day. The following three children of the Promised Messiahas completed the recitation of the Holy Quran for the ﬁrst time: Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmad, and Hazrat Sahibzadi Nawab Mubaraka Begum, may Allah be pleased with them all. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 2, p. 194) 30 November 2008: On this day, during his tour of South India, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa inaugurated the Umar Mosque in Ernakulam, a famous business city in the Kerala state. (“Establishing Peace, Love and Harmony in the Society”, taken from alislam.org)

Ahmad Faraz Missionary Lithuania

Giving glad tidings regarding the Jalsa Salana of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Prophet Ahmadas said: “Its foundational establishment has been initiated under the guidance of Allah the Almighty. Numerous nations, divinely prepared for this purpose, are destined to join it in the near future. The inevitability of this occurrence is unequivocal, as nothing is beyond the realm of possibility for God Almighty.” (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 1, p. 341) Today, after the historical 131-year journey of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, we witness yet another faith-inspiring manifestation of the aforementioned prophecy: The first-ever Jalsa Salana of Lithuania Jamaat, held in Lietuva, around five thousand kilometers away from Qadian.

Brief report of Lithuania Jamaat’s Jalsa Jalsa Salana Lithuania was held on 1314 October 2023, at Medininkų g. 5, 13266, Motiejiškės km, Vilnius. This site encompassed two sizeable halls and 15 rooms, all equipped with essential facilities. According to the tradition of the Jalsa Salana, all the duties were divided department-wise and assigned over to members of the Lithuania Jamaat. The responsibilities included the preparation of invitations for Ahmadis and non-Ahmadi dignitaries and the writing of other related necessary cards containing information in Lithuanian and English. The department of transport, medical assistance, registration, preparation and distribution of food, provision of water for participants by young kids, etc., were all the highlights of Jalsa Lithuania. Arrangements were also made for inspection, flag hoisting, and presentation of the proceedings of Jalsa sessions in Lithuanian, English, and Urdu. The theme of the first-ever Jalsa Salana Lithuania was, “Khilafat Aman-e-Alam ki Zamin” (Khilafat – Guarantor of World Peace), which was prominently displayed in written form on the main stage. Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa graciously approved Rana Khalid Ahmad Sahib, in-charge of the Russian Desk UK, as the chief guest for the Jalsa. After the speeches in the first day’s

session, a video documentary was presented on the history of the Lithuania Jamaat. Events from the years 1990-91, encompassing the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Community in Lithuania, were collected in the form of various interviews and later assembled into a documentary. All the proceedings of this Jalsa were telecast live in the Lajna Imaillah Hall. On the second day, a session was held for non-Ahmadis. The guests were shown a video message based on the journeys and efforts of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa as an ambassador for peace.

Guest speakers The guests were introduced to the audience and invited on stage to say a few words. The first guest, a writer and journalist, Mr Jaronimas Laucius, appreciated the activities of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat regarding the establishment of peace and said, “I have been friends with the Jamaat [members] for a long time. In the early days, when I was going to participate in the Jalsa Salana Germany for the first time, my friends forbade me to go, saying that Muslims would take advantage of me. I want to categorically mention that, as I have known the Jamaat for quite some time now, my friends were certainly wrong. I have never seen the Jamaat get any wrong advantage from me. Moreover, I want to say that we should always have a positive attitude in our day-to-day life and look for positive things in others. If we do this, we will experience peace and love. I have witnessed various mosques of the Jamaat and they are full of peace, as is the motto of the Ahmadiyya Community, ‘Love for all, hatred for none.’” In the end, he expressed gratitude for being invited to Jalsa Salana, Lithuania. The second guest speaker was Mr Raimondas Leugaudas. He is an active member of the Bahai community. He said, “The current situation of the world requires taking practical steps towards peace instead of making verbal claims.” Observing Murtaz Ahmad engaded in duty during the Jalsa Lithuania, he expressed, “I want to say that the spirit with which this child is discharging his duty, if we all do our duties in the same way, then peace will surely be established in the world.” Continued on next page >>

Staff Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian, 1930-1931

Photo courtesy of AMJ Lithuania

Friday 24 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

UN at risk of collapse amidst world war Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continues to highlight plight of oppressed Palestinians Amidst the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, continues to guide the world towards peace. In his Friday Sermon of 17 November, he stressed the importance of prayers for the Palestinian people, expressing deep concern for their plight. Huzooraa criticised the inadequate response of some Muslim governments and called for Muslim unity, reflecting on the wisdom of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. He also acknowledged the stronger support from some non-Muslim voices, emphasising the need for global peace and wisdom. Huzoor’saa message underscores the need for earnest prayers and unity in these challenging times. Huzooraa said: “As I have been mentioning in my recent sermons about praying for the Palestinians, I wish to reiterate the same today. Continue your prayers. “Now, the extent of oppression has reached its limits. Innocent children, women, the elderly, and the sick are being killed under the pretext of war with Hamas. All norms and rules of warfare have been disregarded by this so-called civilised world. May Allah grant wisdom to Muslim countries as well. “Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, warned over 72 or 73 years ago that Muslims need to unite; they have to decide whether they want to die one by one or maintain their existence and survive as a united entity. If only these people [Muslims] could understand this now and unite as one. “The situation is such that I have been informed that those going to Umrah are being told not to discuss the Palestine-Israel conflict. This directive comes from the government issuing the visas. If this is true, it reflects extreme cowardice on the part of << Continued from previous page

The third guest was Mrs Gintarė Sereikaitė. She is a professor at Vilnius University and has voluntarily translated “The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam” into Lithuanian. She expressed her thoughts about this book and said, “I wanted to understand the Holy Quran and Hadith, and I am fortunate enough that I had the privilege of translating the book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, which is very useful for understanding the teachings of Islam. For those people who criticise Islam unnecessarily, if they really want to understand the teachings of Islam, I suggest they contact Ahmadiyya Jamaat and read this book. Moreover, after reading this book, they should make its principles a part of their lives.” She then expressed her

that Muslim government. “Nevertheless, one should duly observe the sanctity of Umrah, and during it, such matters are not to be discussed, but prayers for the oppressed Palestinians must be offered, and those going for Umrah should remember to do so. “The voices of Muslim governments are very weak nowadays. Occasionally, they do raise their voices, but stronger voices are being raised by some non-Muslim people, politicians, and governments. May Allah grant courage and wisdom to the Muslims. “The UN Secretary-General is speaking well these days, but it seems his words carry no weight. “It appears that if this conflict escalates further and acquires the form of a World War, then, after its conclusion, the UN might also come to an end.

“May Allah grant wisdom to the world. “It seems the world is drawing closer to its destruction. And after this destruction, may those who survive turn towards Allah and pay heed to Him. We must pray a lot in this regard. May Allah have mercy on the world.” Earlier, in his Friday Sermon, delivered on 10 November 2023, Huzooraa noted the gradual emergence of voices against the oppression, including some non-Muslims, politicians, and Jews questioning the Israeli government’s actions. Huzooraa expressed scepticism about the proposed ‘pause’ – as opposed to a complete ceasefire – to allow aid for Palestinians, questioning the sincerity and the potential continuation of hostilities during the rest of the day. He lamented the apparent indifference of global powers and politicians towards Palestinian lives, driven

gratitude for the invitation.

Radio Channel LRT gave coverage in the form of a 10-minute live interview about the aims and objectives of the Jalsa, highlighting the speeches about peace and the role of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the ever-changing situation of the world. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, the message of our Jalsa and the introduction of Ahmadiyya Jamaat reached thousands of people in Lithuania, alhamdulillah.

Tabligh stall A tabligh [preaching] stall was also set up on the occasion of the Jalsa Salana Lithuania, where the Jamaat’s literature published into local languages over the previous years was kept for non-Ahmadi visitors. This literature included an array of books, tracts and leaflets addressing various subjects and issues, i.e., An Elementary Study of Islam, The Holy Prophet’ssa Kindness to Children, Women in Islam, Golden Principle for World Peace, Unity of World as Key to Peace, Islam’s Response to Extremism, Teachings of Islam, True Concept of Jihad, etc.

Media coverage On 14 October 2023 – the second day of Jalsa Salana Lithuania, the Lithuanian National

Feedback A notebook was kept for the feedback of the guests. Apart from that, some people openly voiced their views about their experience at this Jalsa. One guest expressed that the quality of the speeches and the arrangements for the annual gathering were of very high standard, stating further, “Today, there is a dire need for peace in the world. In this regard, the

by their vested interests. Emphasising the transient nature of worldly life and the certainty of divine justice, he reminded us that the ultimate accountability extends into the Hereafter. Huzoor’saa message remains focused on the power of prayer, seeking Allah’s assistance and relief for the Palestinians from their suffering. Huzooraa said: “I want to ask for prayers for the persecuted Palestinians again. Some nonMuslims and politicians have at least begun speaking up against this oppression, albeit fearfully. “In fact, some Jews have also distanced themselves from this action and asked the Israeli government why it is tarnishing their name. Nevertheless, faint voices have begun to be raised from others as well now. “Now they say they will stop the war for four hours a day – what they are calling a ‘pause’ – so that aid can reach the Palestinians. “Only Allah knows the extent to which they will uphold this and the extent of the cruelty they will inflict upon the Palestinians during the remaining 20 hours. Only Allah knows how many bombs they will drop. “Most superpowers and politicians are not giving any importance to Palestinian lives – they have their own vested interests. “Nevertheless, these people should remember that Allah grants respite for a limited time; and that this world is not the be-all and end-all – there is another life to come. […] Punishment can manifest in this world and in the next. “We must focus on prayers. May Allah help the oppressed Palestinians and grant them salvation from these cruelties.” (Report prepared by Al Hakam)

theme of your annual convention and speeches are a beacon for the whole world.” Another guest said, “It was really nice to see your Khalifa. We pray that he may be successful in his peace mission.” A visitor expressed, “Looking at the arrangements and organisation of the Jalsa Salana, it never felt that this is the first annual convention [of Lithuania Jamaat] and that its management consists of only 5 individuals. This Jalsa was quite similar to the extensive conventions of other countries.”

Attendance Members of the Jamaat from nine different countries, i.e., Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Norway, Georgia, Germany, Poland, the UK and Belarus, joined the first annual convention. A total of 75 Ahmadis and 57 non-Ahmadi guests participated in Jalsa Salana Lithuania.

AL HAKAM | Friday 24 November 2023

Letter to Osama bin Laden A letter attributed to Osama bin Laden has been circulating on social media. It has ignited a new wave of so-called Jihad among some radicalised Muslim circles. A reply written to his letter might never get to him but might help his like-minded Muslims to realise the sensitivity of the time and not act unwisely—Asif M Basit (Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre) To Osama Bin Laden (Last seen in Abbottabad, Pakistan; now known to be dead.) Mr Bin Laden,

Many years after your death, your letter to the American public has come to surface and been read by millions on social media. Whether the letter is genuine or not remains debatable. While I strongly feel that it cannot be real because, based on what we know of you, you never believed in the power of words; a gun would always hang on your shoulder; and that gun was the only mode of communication you believed in. But a part of me says it actually could be real, given its threatening tone and terrorising character. Whatever the case, I thought I should write a reply, which you may never get to read, but for those millions of social media users who have read it and might be influenced by your ideology. You talk of Jihad as your only choice. Where did you get this notion of “Jihad” from? The Quran? The sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa? Because other than these two sources, no other ideology is acceptable as Islamic. You quote the Quran to seek legitimacy for your terrorist motives, but the one to whom the Quran was revealed and who understood it the most, never used Jihad as a means to the genocide of disbelievers. You try to justify your terrorist motives by painting your understanding of Jihad as defensive in the face of the Western offensives. For this, you found the PalestineIsrael conflict over the Holy Land to be your best choice. To justify the struggle for Palestine’s liberation, you claim that although the land was promised to the Jews through the Torah, “it is the Muslims who are the inheritors of Moses and the inheritors of the real Torah that has not been changed”. You go on to say that since “Muslims believe in all of the Prophets, including Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad”, therefore “if the followers of Moses have been promised a right to Palestine in the Torah, then the Muslims are the most worthy nation of this.” Mr Bin Laden, you are engaging in a debate on theology, history and the comparative study of religions. Did you ever invite your adversaries to such an academic From, A Muslim living in very diﬃcult times November, 2023

debate in your lifetime? Of course, you did not! That is why I seriously doubt that this letter is even a product of your mind and pen. Today, are your followers inviting the “Jews” – a term that you see synonymous with Israel – to such theological or even political dialogue? Of course, they are not! And while quoting the Quran, I wonder what kept you from acknowledging the fact that the Jews inhabiting the land of Palestine, in the name of Israel, are doing so according to a Quranic prophecy where Allah the Almighty clearly states that in the Latter Days, all Jews will be made to assemble in the Holy Land. Also, while claiming Muslims to be the rightful heirs of the Holy Land, you chose to plainly ignore the Quranic ruling on the final inheritors. Because Allah the Almighty makes it clear that yarithuha ‘ibadi assalihun – inherit it will those who are My righteous servants. (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.106) Let alone engaging your adversaries in dialogue and debate, did you even ever attempt to educate your own people, your coreligionists, on how to attain the status of “Allah’s righteous servants”? You kept calling them only to military Jihad (albeit on no justified grounds). You never bothered to inform or remind them of the greater Jihad that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa referred to as Jihad al-Akbar – the greater Jihad of self-reform where one fights one’s own lower self against its lustful and worldly pursuits, when only this form of Jihad could, and can, elevate the Muslims in their status to become inheritors of the Holy Land. You warn your American adversaries by saying that “the blood pouring out of Palestine must be equally revenged.” In saying this, you ignored, yet again, a basic prerequisite of Islamic military Jihad – a Muslim leader calling for Jihad. Or did you think you were that “Muslim leader”? Well! You remained in hiding most of the time – from the caves of Tora Bora to some secret hut in Abbottabad. You, hence, never qualified to be their amir or imam. Then you were of Salafi disposition. Muslims adhering to other denominations

like the Sunni, the Shia and Barelvi did not even take you as their leader – or even a Muslim to be strictly precise about their doctrines on takfir. Then you go on to justify your Jihad by saying that Western powers “prevent our people from establishing the Islamic Shariah”. In saying this, what Shariah were you referring to? Is there a unanimously agreed Shariah among the Muslims? Let’s stick to Palestine for instance. Does Hamas agree with the PLO’s definition of Shariah? Does Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) agree with Hamas’ understanding of the Shariah, or its implementation for that matter? The answer, of course, is no! Let’s broaden it a bit more: Is your Salafi Islam aligned with that of Barelvis? Do the Barelvi and Salafi versions tally with the Sufi interpretation of Islamic Shariah? What country in the whole wide world is functioning on the model of Islamic Shariah? You should have given at least one example in such a lengthy letter. Alas, you could not even present Saudi Arabia, your dear homeland, as a prototype. You also tell the Western civilians that their “governments steal our ummah’s wealth and sell [it] to you at a paltry price”. You say this as if it is the American people’s fault that the ummah’s wealth is sold or provided to them. The British started exploring the rich oil fields of Nejd and Hijaz through agreements signed by none else but Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud – the founding father of Saudi Arabia – in the early 1920s. Muslim leaders of Hijaz and Nejd – your ancestors, if you like – gave away their vast reserves of oil to the Western companies in return for meagre means of subsistence. Then, some shame seems to have suddenly struck you. That you are unjustifiably targeting civilians. At this point, you address them directly: “You may then dispute that all the above does not justify aggression against civilians, for crimes they did not commit and offenses in which they did not partake.” Then you go on to justify yourself

by telling them that they are partners in crime with the Western governments by democratically electing them and by paying taxes that fund the Israeli oppression of Palestinians. In the time of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam, civilians of contesting tribes chose not to accept Islam and remain behind their chiefs and warlords. Yet, the Holy Prophetsa never allowed the killing of civilians, especially women and children. This is why I say, and I repeat, that you seem to have your own Islam that has nothing to do with the Islam of Muhammadsa, the blessed Founder of Islam. You forget all this, and go on to warn citizens of Western countries that they should “not await anything from us but Jihad, resistance and revenge”. Isn’t your stance far from the teachings of Islam and the practice of its Holy Foundersa? I close by quoting just one more line from your letter: “These governments give us a taste of humiliation, and place us in a large prison of fear and subdual.” Having read my reply, would you not want to revise this line? Who has put the ummah through the test of humiliation, fear and subdual? Read my letter again and you might want to revisit your conclusions. And before you or your admirers lash out at me, I must clarify that I have not written these lines to support the Western policies on war against any nation, Muslim or otherwise. I urge that Muslims should seriously think about reverting to the Islam brought by Prophet Muhammadsa – the Islam that does not incite violence but promotes peace, the Islam that teaches conflict resolution through peaceful and viable means. You are no longer in this world. You died a death of humiliation in hiding, leaving behind a legacy of terror and violence. But I hope this reply will help those who agree, or ever agreed, with you in any way, to wake up from the deep slumber of, in your words, humiliation. Muslims need a Messiah, not a terrorist.

Friday 24 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

Rise and fall of the League of Nations: A timely lesson for the UN Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

In his Friday Sermon on 17 November 2023, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, while urging for continuous prayers for Palestinians, said: “The UN Secretary-General is speaking well these days, but it seems his words carry no weight. “It appears that if this conflict escalates further and acquires the form of a world war, then, after its conclusion, the UN might also come to an end. “May Allah grant wisdom to the world.” (“UN faces collapse amidst World War: Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa warns of escalating tensions following oppression against Palestine“, www.alhakam.org) Reflecting on Huzoor’saa words, a historical perspective becomes essential. This article delves into the League of Nations’ history, drawing parallels to the current state of the UN and emphasising the importance of learning from past mistakes to ensure a stable and peaceful global future. We see that the First World War lasted from 1914 to 1918, during which millions of people, including both military personnel and civilians, died, and many more were injured and became disabled for the rest of their lives. After World War I, peace movements proliferated across Europe. These groups advocated for the prevention of future wars, emphasising everyone’s right to live in peace. This momentum led to the founding of the “League of Nations” as part of the Paris Peace Conference. Officially formed on 10 January 1920, in the wake of the Treaty of Versailles, the League initially included a mix of allied and neutral countries, with its membership evolving over time. Along with the establishment of the League of Nations, some of its auxiliary institutions were also established to facilitate the organisation in carrying out its duties. These included the establishment of the Assembly, the Council, the Security Treaty, the International Labour Office, and the International Court of Justice. The League of Nations remained in existence until 20 April 1946, after which the above-mentioned bodies of the League were merged into the United Nations. And today we have the United Nations, 75 years into its existence, and the arguments about the success or failure of this organisation continue. In this article, we delve into the history of the League of Nations, examining the causes of its failure to inform the future trajectory of the United Nations.

Introduction to the League The original charter of the League of Nations

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allowed any independent nation willing to undertake international responsibilities and adhere to the League’s decisions in military matters to become a member. The League’s primary goal was to foster cooperation based on justice and mutual respect among member states to prevent future wars. The League’s headquarters were located in Geneva, with English and French as its official languages. According to the charter, member countries pledged to seek peaceful resolutions in conflicts with other nations, resorting to war only after exhausting all reconciliation efforts. Additionally, members were required to sever economic and financial relations with any aggressor nation. Notably, the lack of a mandate for collective military action against aggressors was a fundamental weakness contributing to the League’s eventual failure.

Some of the League’s initial achievements The League of Nations, established in 1920, played a pivotal role in resolving several international disputes. One notable success was the mediation of the conflict over the Åland Islands between Sweden and Finland in the early 1920s, where the League’s decision favoured Finnish sovereignty while ensuring protection for the islands’ Swedish-speaking population. Additionally, the League effectively intervened in the 1925 incident between Greece and Bulgaria, known as the “War of the Stray Dog.” This minor conflict, triggered by a border incident, was swiftly resolved through the League’s diplomatic efforts, averting a larger-scale confrontation. These instances exemplify the League’s initial effectiveness in managing and resolving international disputes, showcasing its potential as a peacekeeping organisation in the interwar period.

However, this period of effectiveness was short-lived.

Member States of the League and the beginning of its decline As the League of Nations matured, its membership fluctuated, with key nations joining and leaving. Germany, not an original member, joined in 1926 but withdrew in 1933. Japan also left in 1933, following disputes over its actions in Manchuria. Italy’s departure came in 1937, after facing sanctions for its invasion of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). The League’s challenges in enforcing its resolutions increasingly undermined its effectiveness. This ineffectiveness was particularly evident in its response to Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia in 1935 and Japan’s occupation of Manchuria in the early 1930s. The League’s sanctions against Italy, while significant, fell short of a full arms embargo, highlighting its limitations. The League’s inability to prevent or adequately respond to Germany’s annexation of Austria in 1938, the occupation of the Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia, and the later annexation of the rest of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 further demonstrated its weaknesses. By the time of Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939, which marked the beginning of World War II, the League had become largely ineffective, signalling its decline and the failure to maintain peace in Europe.

Crucial League meeting and an Ahmadi’s final bid to better the situation When the Soviet Union invaded Finland in November 1939, the League of Nations convened a meeting in December, leading to the Soviet Union’s condemnation

and expulsion. However, by this time, with World War II already underway, the League’s influence had significantly diminished. Hear the account of this meeting from the perspective of a participant, Hazrat Chaudhry Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra. In his book, Tehdis-e-Nimat, he recounts that while in England for the Dominion Ministers’ conference in 1939, he was called to represent India at a League of Nations Assembly meeting. This meeting was convened in response to Russia’s aggression against Finland. The Viceroy of India instructed Hazrat Chaudhry Sahibra to attend as India’s representative. Accompanied by an experienced official from the India Office and another secretary from India, he formed a complete delegation and led it as the head to Geneva. The Viceroy advised Hazrat Chaudhry Sahibra on the clear situation of the war between Russia and Finland, expressing sympathy for Finland and advising him to assess the situation and lead the delegation’s response, consulting the Viceroy if necessary. Hazrat Chaudhry Sahibra writes in his memoirs under the title Recommendations of the Assembly of the League of Nations, after mentioning his trip and the participants of the trip: ‘‘After deliberating on the protest of Finland, the council of the League recommended Russia’s expulsion. Most speeches were in support but subdued for fear of retaliation by Russia. All European nations were afraid of Hitler and wary of hurting his sensibilities. I was surprised and even upset by such a state of affairs and told Mr Butler that I must speak plainly. He said, ‘For Heaven’s sake, you must, for we dare not’. On my turn, I began by drawing a comparison between the politics, culture and social norms of Finland and Russia

AL HAKAM | Friday 24 November 2023 and strongly supported the resolution and concluded by urging the audience to ‘unammously raise a voice against every kind of wrong and take steps to prevent it. ‘If we don’t, all of us will be crushed one after the other, and the flame of civilisation and morality will be extinguished for centuries to come,’ I concluded. “The president of the assembly, Mr Hembro, representing Norway, looked scared by my unrestrained warning. He could not stop me, but as I finished, he told the interpreter that, under the rules, it wouldn’t be necessary to translate the speech in full – a summary should suffice. The proposal of the council was approved, and Russia was expelled from the League of Nations. Sir Aga Khan later told me that the Swiss delegate told him that in the whole session, the only speech worth its while was that of the delegate from India.” (Tehdis-eNimat, p. 448) The final session of the League of Nations Assembly was held in April 1946, with its dissolution formalised on 20 April 1946, marking an end to the organisation’s 26-year existence. Meanwhile, World War II had concluded in mid-1945, punctuated by the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan, and the United Nations was established later that year, coming into effect 24 October 1945.

Flaws pointed out by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat It is not that no one paid attention to some of the flaws and power imbalances of the League of Nations, but it was the Ahmadiyya Jamaat that recognised these dangers in its early days and focused on reforms. For example, In 1924, when Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, al-Muslih alMaud, embarked on his historic journey to Europe, he raised the issue of the League of Nations at the grand conference of the member states of the British Empire. With reference to the League of Nations, he took care of the point in front of eminent people from around the world and opened before the League of Nations the correct Islamic teaching. In his address, he declared: “As the Promised Messiahas was only a spiritual Khalifah his successors will also remain, so far as possible, outside and above politics, even when sovereigns and States join the Movement. They will perform the functions of a real League of Nations, and will endeavour, with the help and advice of the representatives of different countries, to regulate international relations.” (Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam, p. 270) During his historic tour of Europe, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also called on the Secretary of the Religion and Ethics Department in the League of Nations on 11 September 1924, and a topic of mutual interest – world peace – was discussed in detail. Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira has recorded the details of this meeting in his report as follows: “After five o’clock, the Secretary of the Religion and Ethics Department of the League of Nations, Mr Ellison, and Mr Ren came to a meeting, and Huzoorra answered their questions.

I am the Caliph of the Prince of Peace

“Mr Ellison asked how Huzoorra could help them. “He answered, ‘I sympathise with every movement that aims for the betterment and peace in the world because one of the names of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement is Prince of Peace. This is the purpose for which Allah sent him. It is my duty to try to fulfil this goal because I am the Caliph of this Prince of Peace. Some of the prophecies of the Holy Quran were to be fulfilled in the time of the prophet of the Latter Days, and their practical propagation was associated with this era. One of them is the propagation of peace. The propagation of religion is prohibited by the sword. The teachings of our Community have greatly helped and benefited the world in spreading peace. Therefore, regarding the establishment of peace on the border of India, the British government officials themselves have admitted that they have benefited a lot from the teachings of the Ahmadiyya Community. “We do not believe in the sword and warfare for the propagation of religion. ‘Jihad’ of the sword for the propagation of religion, which Muslims mistakenly consider their last resort, is prohibited in our Movement. This is the teaching of Islam. Its implementation and propagation have been done by the Founder of our Movement. That is why, due to the propagation and expression of this teaching in India and other Muslim countries, we face persecution. Therefore, the people of Afghanistan and the Afghan government have martyred our people. Just recently, on 31 August 1924, one of our preachers was martyred by stoning. However, despite all these sufferings and persecutions, I consider it my duty to complete what the Founder of the Community has initiated for global peace, and for this purpose, I am ready to give all possible help and willing to make every sacrifice.’” (Al Fazl, Qadian, 14 October 1924, pp. 3-4) After that, Mr Ren asked a question about religious tolerance, to which Huzoorra gave a detailed answer. While reporting further, Hazrat Sheikh Sahibra wrote:

Assistance in peacekeeping “Mr Ellison asked if they wanted to establish a branch in India; would he help them, as Mrs Benson has also promised them assistance? “Huzoorra said: Mrs Benson interferes in politics. Hence, her assistance would not be of much benefit to the League of Nations. We are ready to provide all kinds of assistance, and we will cooperate with people who are even our opponents for this pure cause. However, the condition is that we are not forced to join on the basis of any religious principles. “I also want to say that the League is not yet a perfect means for peace, because peace can be established in two ways: first, through changes in hearts. If there is a change in hearts, then there is no need for a League. Second, by force. And by power, I do not mean that the League should maintain an army. In that case, the League itself will become a party. Rather, what I mean is that when a nation violates peace, all other nations should use moral force against it, and when they are defeated, at the time of peace, only that issue that was the

cause of conflict should be resolved. Other issues should not be raised, as stated in the Treaty of Versailles. “Mr Ellison enquired about how they should keep Huzoorra informed of their efforts. “He said, ‘Through our local representative, who will be Maulvi Abdur Rahim Dardra in London.’” (Ibid.) In the same way, on 12 October 1951, while addressing the ijtima‘ of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra said: “Even today, the Holy Quran can fulfil all the needs of the world. The world has made numerous efforts to establish peace – at times through the League of Nations and at other times through the United Nations – however, they are proving unsuccessful since these efforts are not based on spirituality, and each party prioritises its own interests and rights. In reality, the solution to the world’s problems lies in the establishment of pure morals, and pure morals cannot be established through worldly efforts, but rather through the teachings given in the Holy Quran.” (Daily Al Fazl, Lahore, 16 October 1951, p. 2) The Ahmadiyya Jamaat called on the League of Nations to raise its voice upon the painful martyrdom of the Ahmadis in Kabul in 1924 for the sake of their faith. As a result, the contemporary newspapers of the subcontinent also declared that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat was in the right with this demand. After all, the protection of the religious rights of the members in the member countries is also one of the most important issues. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra appreciated every effort to establish and maintain peace, including the League of Nations, but it is also a special virtue to point out someone’s obvious mistakes and save that person or organisation from failure. Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra comments on Surah al-Kauthar in his Tafsir-e Kabir are as follows: “Islam has laid down laws regarding relations between governments that no religion can compete with. For instance, Islam has proposed certain fundamental principles to resolve disputes between governments, which are so comprehensive that neither the League of Nations, which existed before, nor the United Nations, which has now become a body, could compete with them because neither the former association fully adopted the principles prescribed in the Holy Quran nor is the current association adopting them. It is mentioned in the Holy Quran that when two nations engage in conflict, other governments should exert pressure on both and resolve their differences. And if after the decision has been made, one nation refuses to accept it and attacks the other, then all governments should unite and use force against the aggressor until the conflict ceases and the decision made by the representatives of different nations is accepted. And if the aggressor nation accepts its mistake and ceases hostilities, then the peacekeeping governments should enforce their initial decision without taking undue advantage of the other party or attempting to loot. This alone is sufficient for establishing peace in the world. When the League of Nations was formed, I was in England at the time, and I said then that it would never be successful

because the Holy Quran has stipulated that when there is discord between two nations and one of them does not accept your decision, then all the other governments should join forces against it. However, the League of Nations did not resort to this kind of force, and now the United Nations has been formed. Regarding this, I say the same: it will never succeed until they amend their rules. Because it also lacks the conditions entirely that Islam has prescribed.” (Tafsire-Kabir, Vol. 10, pp. 312-313) The missionaries sent by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also continued to point out some of the shortcomings of the League of Nations and the United Nations in their respective spheres of influence. They tried to convey this important message to the people working in the corridors of power with great confidence. For example, a prominent preacher of the Jamaat, Maulana Muhammad Siddiq Amritsari, in his very valuable work Ruh Parwar Yadein, writes at one point under the title Identifying a clear flaw of the United Nations: In December 1959, the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjöld, visited Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, during an official visit to African countries. He stayed for three days to study the political, cultural, and general conditions of Liberia. Seizing this opportunity, I, as the missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Mission in Liberia, met him on 23 December 23 1959, and presented him with a copy of the Holy Quran in English, as well as other books on the teachings of Islam, Ahmadiyyat, Life of Muhammadsa, and our foreign missions, among others. I also provided him with a typed welcome address, parts of which he read at the time and expressed his gratitude. Boldly addressing the head of an institution like the United Nations, this Ahmadi missionary, while highlighting the UN’s shortcomings, would have drawn in the interpretation of verse 10 of Surah AlHujurat, as expressed by Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, who writes: “This verse depicts the role of the UN. Unfortunately, the League of Nations did not act upon it and failed. The UN also appears cowardly and is experiencing the consequences of failure. As long as the UN does not act in accordance with the conditions outlined in this verse, it will not be successful.” (Tafsir-e-Saghir, under the above verse, p. 859, footnote no. 1) The Urdu version of this valuable address presented by this Ahmadi missionary and the response from the Executive Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations can be found in the letter of thanks from their Personal Secretary, Wachmeister, titled Memories that Inspire (pp. 534-538). In this, the Personal Secretary wrote, “The Secretary-General of the United Nations carefully considered the principles presented from the Holy Quran and expressed good wishes for your mission and community.”

Ambassador of peace for peace in the world Hence, after the League of Nations, the United Nations also continued its journey down the same slope, the next phase of which is known to everyone. But it is not Continued on next page >>

Friday 24 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

10 << Continued from previous page

that the Ahmadiyya Jamaat has stopped the process of awakening the United Nations from its slumber and guiding it on the right path, that is not the case at all. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa once said while commenting on the current world situation: “Upon analysis, it would seem that the major powers are bent on fanning the flames of war, rather than putting them out; they do not wish to end warfare. After the First World War, the major powers created the League of Nations in order to put an end to wars. However, due to their failure to fulfil the demands of justice, and establish its authority, it proved unsuccessful. Consequently, the Second World War broke out, and it is said that more than 70 million lives were lost. The same is happening now with the UN. It was created to establish justice in the world, support the oppressed and to try to put an end to wars. However, these are all far from becoming reality. Everyone is simply concerned with their own interests.’’ (Friday Sermon, 13 October 2023, “Muhammadssa: The Great Exemplar“, www.alhakam.org) In the same way, on 22 May 2021, during a virtual mulaqat of the Gambian journalists with the Huzooraa, a journalist, referenced Huzoor’saa book, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, and said that Huzooraa had paid a lot of emphasis on global peace. He asked about the importance of justice and why it was crucial to speak out against injustices. In response, Huzooraa said: “[…] In the case of worldly affairs, if there is no justice, there is no peace. If you have double standards, as we can see in today’s world shown by the big powers, they cannot maintain peace in the world. This is what happened when the League of Nations was formed. The League of Nations was formed to maintain justice and give equal rights to each and every nation, but it failed. Resultantly, there was an eruption of the Second World War. And the same is happening with the UNO – they are not maintaining justice, they have double standards for poor countries and for the rich countries, for Western countries and African and Asian countries. This is why you can see there is disturbance in the world today. So, if there is no justice, there is no peace.” (Al Hakam, 28 May 2021, Issue 167, pp. 1-2) The most recent example of this guidance and concern is the Friday Sermon in which the fifth successor of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, reiterated the prayer for the oppressed Palestinians in the war between Hamas and the Israeli government, saying: “These people simply follow the rule that ‘might is right’. They bow before those who have worldly wealth. “Upon analysis, it would seem that the major powers are bent on fanning the flames of war, rather than putting them out; they do not wish to end warfare. After the First World War, the major powers created the League of Nations in order to put an end to wars. However, due to their failure to fulfil the demands of justice, and establish its authority, it proved unsuccessful. Consequently, the Second World War broke out, and it is said that more than 70 million lives were lost. The same is

happening now with the UN. It was created to establish justice in the world, support the oppressed and to try to put an end to wars. However, these are all far from becoming reality. Everyone is simply concerned with their own interests. “The average person cannot even fathom the harmful consequences of the war that will result from these injustices; however, all the major powers are well aware of the grave consequences. Yet, despite this, there is no attention given to establishing justice. No one is even prepared to pay attention to this.” (Friday Sermon, 13 October 2023, “Muhammadsa: The Great Exemplar“, www. alhakam.org) When the United Nations was established, its charter proclaimed the primary goal of “protecting future generations from the scourge of war”. Despite this, numerous wars have erupted, with two major conflicts currently impacting the world intensely. Increasingly, there are concerns about these conflicts becoming unmanageable. If the first League failed due to flaws in its charter, the UN now faces a unique challenge posed by the veto power rule. This veto right, held by a few nations, starkly contrasts with the democratic norms prevalent in the Western world, where the global consensus can be overridden by a single veto-wielding country. Today, the situation is such that, under the very noses of all the member countries of the United Nations, the lives of millions of innocent people are being made hell. Remember that Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:

َ ّ� َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ‫ََم ۡۡن ََق ََت ََل َن َ ۡۡف � ًۢۢسا ِب ََغۡیِۡرِ َن َ ۡۡف‬ ‫ِض َفَکَاَّن ََما َق ََت ََل‬ ِ ‫ٍس َاۡو َفَسا ٍٍد ِفِی اۡلَاۡر‬ ِ ٍ ّ� َ ‫الَّن‬ ‫اَس ََج ِِم ۡۡی ًًعا‬

“[W]hosoever killed a person — unless it be for killing a person or for creating disorder in the land — it shall be as if he had killed all mankind.” (Surah al-Mai’dah, Ch.5: V.33) The Word of God is incredibly subtle and extraordinary. In light of this verse, for all those unfortunate souls drenched in innocent blood by the hands of oppressors in the Holy Land or anywhere on the face of the earth, the entire political leadership of the world today stands as good as dead in terms of its power and status. Reflecting further upon this verse, we observe that today, the inhabitants of the East and West of the world, in their ignorance, believe that only the people of Palestine and Ukraine are being crushed in the mill of destruction and war, and people in other countries of the world are living in comfort with their families, enjoying all the pleasures of life. They are gravely mistaken. This is because other nations and cities of the world are at peace only because the hands of the oppressors and aggressors have not yet reached them. The sanctity of human life is universal, and in today’s world, no one seems to restrain the hand of the oppressor except God. In front of this very God, Ahmadis, men and women around the world, are prostrating in response to the call of their beloved Imam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen him with His mighty help. He will surely hear the cries of His beloved and will cut off the hand of the oppressors, insha’Allah.

Baitul Basit Mosque inaugurated in Sri Lanka A Abdul Aziz Sri Lanka Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka inaugurated the Baitul Basit Mosque on ColomboKandy Road on 27 October 2023. S Nizam Khan Sahib, National President of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Sri Lanka welcomed the guests Sir Dr Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz Sahib KBE and their delegation. After the recitation from the Holy Quran, S Nizam Khan Sahib delivered a welcome speech about this mosque and said that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh visited Sri Lanka in 1983 and instructed the Jamaat to buy one acre of land in this area. Two acres of land were bought in 1996. In the beginning, the existing building was used as a prayer hall. With the permission of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, the foundation stone was laid in 2005 by the late Muhammad Umar Sahib of South India during

his visit to Sri Lanka. A two-story building was constructed and was used for salat. The mosque construction was completed with a three-story building along with a dome and a minaret. This mosque can accommodate around 800 worshippers. Then, Sir Dr Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz Sahib officially inaugurated the mosque by unveiling a commemorative plaque and offering a silent prayer. This was followed by Friday prayers at the Baitul Basit Mosque. Ahmadi men, women and children from all parts of the country attended this event.

Photo courtesy of AMJ Sri Lanka

5th World Religions Conference held in Canada Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

On 16 October 2023, the World Religions Conference was held in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. On the morning of 16 October after offering congregational Fajr prayer at the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Vancouver, a group of eight volunteers led by Regional Amir Rizwan Peerzada Sahib left for Vernon, BC. Vernon is a small town in the Okanagan region with a population of nearly 40,000 and located approximately 440 km northeast of Vancouver, BC. The group was to host the 5th World Religions Conference on the topic of “Life after death, myth or reality?” Jamaat-eAhmadiyya British Columbia has been hosting similar events in surrounding areas to promote interfaith harmony and build bridges among them. The faiths represented included Baha‘ism, Buddhism, Christianity (First Baptist Church), Christianity (Latter-Day Saint Church), Christianity (Presbyterian Church), Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, and Spirituality. Each speaker was allotted eight minutes to shed light on the topic from the point-

of-view of their respective religion. Silent prayer brought the event to an end. Over 350 people attended the event including Mayor of Vernon Victor Cumming and two City Councillors. Global News Media attended the event and interviewed the missionary of Vancouver on the ongoing situation in Palestine, who provided the Islamic teachings to solve such conflicts.

Photo courtesy of AMJ Canada

AL HAKAM | Friday 24 November 2023

100 Tabligh of Ahmadiyyat in

Years Ago...

Europe and Africa Al Fazl, 13 November 1923

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)

London In Western countries, an array of discussions take place at the time of dinner and even the preoccupied people take advantage of this opportunity to perform the double task of having food and conversation. The name of this discourse is “Table Talk”. At the markaz [centre] of the divinely founded Ahmadiyya Jamaat in London, people from various nationalities and diverse views are invited to the “Ahmadiyya Table” from time to time. Satisfying them with insightful words and nourishment, the spiritually sick are healed, and diligent efforts are also made to strengthen the [faith of] steadfast.

Table talks Last Sunday, the subject of our discussion took a turn towards tabligh [preaching] in London. For the information of our friends, a short summary of this talk is as follows: Nayyar: A healthy crowd was gathered in the [Hyde] Park today, and many people have expressed their assent to our sermon and shared warm words about Islam. They have also requested for the address of the [Ahmadiyya] Mosque. I was very concerned, as I couldn’t see many results for the last few weeks. However, now I witness that some seekers after truth are taking keen interest [in Islam Ahmadiyyat] and certain people, abandoning all other religious speakers, keep listening to me for hours. Fatimah: Certainly, Maulvi Sahib! People come in droves and many of them have accepted the truth of Islam in their hearts. One Sunday, when you were giving a speech and some people were asking harsh questions, I saw that some wise people were answering their objections on your behalf. Moreover, when I started explaining certain matters to some women, many other people supported me. Amatullah: Yes, you are right. I have also noticed that when we come to assist [our speakers], where some people oppose us, there are also many individuals who understand and often support us. Martin: Insha-Allah, our efforts will not go to waste. Apparently, our tabligh endeavours are not yielding the anticipated results, but with the grace and blessings of God Almighty, the seed is sown, and it will surely grow into a fruitful tree one day. Ali: The prophecy of the Promised Messiahas that our Jamaat will eventually prevail is very inspiring and encouraging for us, and hopefully, our efforts will bear fruit

in due time, insha-Allah.

Berlin The Ahmadi missionary, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib, is in London these days for certain affairs of the Jamaat. Last Sunday, he delivered a speech on the Ahmadiyya Mission in Berlin. A brief summary of this lecture is as follows: “I went to Berlin on the instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] to examine the situation on the ground and give recommendations regarding the proposal to establish a mission there [in Germany]. “Arriving in Berlin, I observed that the capital of Germany is 100 times more beautiful than London, and besides being the centre of Europe, it is also the centre of Muslims. The people of Germany are knowledge-friendly and very hard-working. They don’t just work, but in fact, love to work. After being defeated in the war and the apparent loss of power, they are now desirous of salvation through spirituality and are abandoning Christianity. “Faith in the Supreme Being of Allah the Almighty is on the decline. “The coming of the very many Russians to Berlin is connecting it with Moscow. Since the purpose of the appearance of the Promised Messiahas is to bring people closer to God Almighty and enlighten unbelieving hearts with the light of faith, and as the wealth of faith in Russia is fast diminishing compared to anywhere else, it was deemed fit to set up the flag of Ahmadiyyat in Berlin. This fortification in the centre of Europe, among the Muslims of every nation, and at the gates of Bolshevist Moscow, was considered apt.

Maksim Shutov | Unsplash

“By the grace of God Almighty, Ahmadiyya Mosque is going to be built. After its completion, our four-story Ahmadiyya Mosque in Berlin will be a sight to behold.” After the aforementioned speech, a German friend named Mr Christiane gave a speech and expressed hope for the success of Islam.

Nigeria Imam Qasim R Ajose, missionary in-charge of Lagos, writes: “No action has been taken yet regarding the new case filed by the apostates against the chief imam. However, when their barrister was coming out of the court after submitting a request for change of date for the case against us, a Christian criminal fired three shots at him and he passed away on the spot. I will share more information as the situation unfolds.

“Alhamdulillah, an influential nonAhmadi has joined our Jamaat. The name of this new convert is Zaid Ajitun Mali. The announcement of his bai‘at was made last Friday. He never opposed the Jamaat and is a very wise and sincere gentleman. After the Jumuah prayer, we went to his house with the chief imam to congratulate him.” Mr Syedi writes: “Our Jamaat is growing in the city of Bedaguli, [Africa]. A 66-year-old man has recently joined Islam Ahmadiyyat and is steadfast in his faith despite great opposition. Many other individuals are following in his footsteps.” – Abdur Rahim Nayyar, 11 October 1923. (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 13 November 1923 issue of Al Fazl)

Lajna Imaillah Canada holds refresher course 2023 Nadia Mahmood Sadr Lajna Imaillah Canada Lajna Imaillah Canada held its annual refresher course for 2023-2024, at the Baitul Islam Mosque on 4 November 2023, reported Ayza Anwar Sahiba, Muavina in charge Press and Media, Lajna Imaillah Canada. The event was held over two separate in-person sessions in the morning and afternoon to accommodate 10 regional majalis in the Greater Toronto Area. For regions too far

away to attend in person, a special online session was held on 5 November. Over 2,100 members attended the sessions. The goal of this refresher course was to strengthen the Lajna office-bearers’ understanding of Nizam-e-Jamaat, review their departmental responsibilities and tasks, and instil intrinsic motivation for all local amila members to become active in their role and engage the next generation as well. The in-person event started at 10 am with the recitation from the Holy Quran with

English translation, followed by the Lajna Imaillah pledge. An introduction of the National Majlis-e-Amila and regional presidents was given, after which opening remarks were delivered by Sadr Lajna Imaillah Canada. After this, Lajna dispersed into their separate venues for their departmental sessions. Food and tea were served after the end of each session, followed by prayers.

Friday 24 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

True understanding of Finality of Prophethood Reconciliation of two conflicting narrations by Imam Ibn Qutaybah Sulaiman Tasleem Missionary, Nigeria

Hadith, the corpus of the sayings or traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, is considered a major source of religious law and guidance after the Quran and sunnah. In order to protect these sacred reports, Muslim scholars, since the early centuries of Islam, have worked greatly in the development of a systematic science of Hadith (‘Ilm al-Hadith), a science that has grown widely and firmly into different fields over time. It covers the study of the chains of narrations, as well as the study and analysis of the contents of Hadith (i.e., matn). ‘Ilm Mukhtalif al-Hadith is one of the fields of knowledge branching out from the sciences of Hadith, which involves contradictions in Hadith contents (matn). Imam an-Nawwawi defined it as “two ahadith that are outwardly contradicting each other but are reconciled together in such a way that the contradictions will cease to exist or that one of them is given precedence over the other one”. (Imam Jalaludeen Suyuti, Tadrib ar-Rawi Fi Sharh Taqrib an-Nawawi, under An-Na’u 36, p. 412) Great scholars of Islam have contributed to this important field of Hadith, such as Imam Muhammad bin Idris as-Shaf ’ee, Imam Ibn Khuzaimah, Imam Ahmad bin Muhammad at-Tahawi, etc. Imam Abu Muhammad Ibn Qutaybah is one of the known scholars in this field, and his book Ta’wil Mukhtalifil Hadith (lit., The Interpretation of Conflicting Narrations) bears witness to this. In this article, we will look into the topic of the finality of prophethood (i.e., the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa being the final prophet) vis a vis the coming of Prophet Jesusas in the latter days as prophesied by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in various narrations of hadith. Ibn Qutaybah also recognised that this issue falls under the topic of Mukhtalifil Hadith, which needs clarifications to remove the doubts and contradictions. Among the Muslims of today, the claims of the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community have caused the Muslims to raise eyebrows at him. He claimed to be a prophet, whereas the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa has clearly stated that:

Sardar Faizan | Unsplash

It needs to be understood that the advent and the claims of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas do not in any way invalidate the hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. His claim is not a regular one; he claimed to be the Promised Messiah and the Mahdi prophesied by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. If he truly is the Messiah promised to come, should the Muslims still have problems with his claim to prophethood? Imam Ibn Qutaybah recognised the contradictions here. If truly there is no prophet at all after the Holy Prophet Muhammad’ssa demise, why then did he prophesy the coming of Prophet Jesusas in the Latter Days? Is nor that a paradox? We shall explain these two narrations, considering the solution proposed by Imam Ibn Qutaybah in his explanations. Replying to those who claim the ahadith are contradictory, Ibn Qutaybah said:

ّ‫اَل َلَا َنَِب �َّي‬ َ َ َ ّ� َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ّ� ّ� َ ّ� ّ� ّ� َ ْ ُ � ُ َ َِ َ ّ� ‫ َق‬،‫َقاُلوا ّرِّويُتْم َُأ َّّن َ الَّن ِِبَّي ُ َّصَّلى اَلَّل ُْه َعَلْي ِِه َو ََسَّل �َم‬ ُ َ ‫ َفاْل ََحَل‬،‫ ََوَلَا ُأ �َّمَة َبَ ْْع ََد ُأ �َّمِتي‬،‫َبَ ْْعِدي‬ ‫اُل ََما َأ ََحَّل ُُّه الَّل ُُه َت ََب َاَرَك‬ ُّ � ُ َ ّ� َ َ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ ِ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ ِ َ َ َ ‫ َواْلَحَراُم َما َحَّرَمُه الَّلُه‬،‫َوَتَعاَلى َعَلى ِل َِساِنِي ِِإَلى َيْو ِِم اْل ِِقَياَم ِِة‬ َ ‫َتَ ََعاَلَى ََع ََلى ِل ََِساِني ِإَلَى َيَْوْ ِِم اْل ْ ِِق ََي‬ ََ ‫اَم ِِة‬ ِ ِ ‫لَا َن ِِب �َّيَ َبَ ْْع ِِدي‬ ْ ْ ّ� ْ َ َ َ َ ْ ّ� َ ْ ُ � ُ ّ� ُ ُ َ ‫الَّسَل‬ “There will be no prophet after me.” ،َ‫ُل اْل ْ ِِخْنِزيَر‬ ُ ‫ ََف ََي ْْق ُُت‬،‫اُم َيَْنِزِ ُُل‬ ‫ُثَّم ُر ِّّويُتْم َأَّن اْلَم ِِسيَح َعَلْي ِِه‬ ِ (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab ahadithi l-anbiya, � ‫ََوَيَ ْْك ِِس ُُر‬ َ ‫الَّص ِِّل‬ ‫يَب‬ Bab ma dhukira ‘an bani isra’il, Hadith 3455)

“They said: You narrated that the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘There is no Prophet after me, and there is no ummah (religious community) after my ummah. Now the lawful is that which Allah declares as lawful through my tongue till the day of resurrection, and the unlawful is what Allah declares as unlawful through my tongue till the day of resurrection.” “Then you also narrated from the Holy Prophetsa that ‘The Messiah as will descend (i.e., in the Latter Days), and he will kill the swine and break the cross.” (Imam Ibn Qutaybah, Ta’wil Mukhtalifil Hadith, alMaktbah al-Islamiyyah, Beirut, p. 271) One basic rule in this field is that before one goes about reconciling a hadith, one must first evaluate the authenticity of each hadith. For if one is weak and invalid, then there is no call for reconciliation, as the weak hadith cannot oppose the authentic one. A person should not expend energy in trying to reconcile, say, a fabricated hadith with external realities because it cannot be reliably attributed to the Prophetsa, to begin with and therefore should not be a matter of concern. The first hadith is reported fully in Sunan ad-Darimi, no. 447, and the same point is also reiterated in many ahadith as well, which are widely accepted and sound. As for the second hadith about the

coming of the Messiah, they have been reported in many ahadith and the number of narrators is enough for nobody to reject them. They have reached the level of mutawatir ma‘anawiy, which is forever accepted according to the science of Hadith, because such ahadith are conveyed by narrators so numerous that it is inconceivable that they have agreed upon an untruth, thus being accepted as unquestionable in its veracity. More than 50 different ahadith transmitted directly from the Allah’s Messengersa (marfu‘), each with a number of narrations, have come down to us about the descent of Jesusas, most of which are classified as authentic (sahih). In addition, there are over 50 ahadith whose chains extend to the Messengersa of Allah prophesying the Promised Messiah under the title of Mahdi (the guided one). So, who then can reject this clear statement from the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. There is no question of rejecting either of the two narrations, as they are both sound and acceptable. Now, back to the question: won’t the coming of Prophet Jesusas break the finality of prophethood? He would become the last prophet if he came last, and it would no longer be the Prophet Muhammadsa. Scholars have tried to find an excuse for this; they claim that when he comes back, he will no longer be a prophet of God, so he won’t break the title of Holy Prophetsa as the last prophet. What an outrageous claim! This explanation has created more questions than answers. At the time of his descent, would all the areas in the Quran where he is called a prophet of Allah be cleared away? Wouldn’t it be rather unfortunate or disgraceful for a person to be relegated from the position of prophet? Who gave them the audacity to bring such insults to Prophet Jesusas? One basic rule in the reconciliation of ahadith is that it should not be interpreted in such a way that it will clash with the Quran or more authentic narrations. No proof whatsoever proves that a time will come when Prophet Jesusas will be stripped of his prophetic status. Allah the Almighty says in the Holy Quran about him:

ۡ ‫ِِا ۡۡذ ََقاَل َ ِِت اۡل ۡ ََم ٰٓٓلِئ ََک ُُۃ ٰٰی ََم ۡۡرَیَ ُُم ِِا �ََّن ال ٰ�ّٰل ََہ ُیُ ََب ِ�ِّش ُُر ِِک ِبَک َ ِِل ََم ٍٍۃ �ِِّم ۡۡن ُُہ ۖ٭‬ ‫اۡس ُُم ُُہ‬ ِ ُ ۡ ٰ ۡ ِ ُ� ‫الُّدۡن ََیا ََواۡلٰۡاِخ ََِر ِِۃ ََو ِِم ََن‬ ‫اۡل ََم ِِس ۡۡیُح ِِع ۡۡی ََسی ۡاۡب ُُن ََم ۡۡرَیَ ََم ََو ِِج ۡۡی ًًہا ِفِی‬ ۡ َ ۡ ‫اۡل ُُمَق �ََّر ِِبۡی ََن‬

When the angels said, ‘O Mary, Allah gives thee glad tidings of a word from Him; his name [shall be] the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, honoured in this world and in the next, and of those who are granted nearness

AL HAKAM | Friday 24 November 2023 [to God]. (Surah Aal-e-Imran, Ch. 3: V. 46) Allah has established in this verse that Prophet Jesusas will always be honoured both in this world and the hereafter. What honour is there for a prophet to be stripped of his prophethood? This shows that the escape created by these scholars holds no water. In his own approach to this question, Ibn Qutaybah did not remove prophethood from Prophet Jesusas; rather, he said since his own prophethood is old and not new, it wouldn’t affect the Holy Prophetsa. He said:

ّ َ ٌ َ ْ ََ ٌ ُ ََ َ َ � ُ َُ ُ ََْ ‫ ِلَِأ �َّن‬،‫اٌف‬ ‫وُل ِِإَّن ُُّه َل َ ْْي ََس ِفِي َّهَذا َتَناُقٌض َوَلا اْخ ِِتَل‬ ‫َوَنْحُن َنُق‬ ّ ّ َ � � ُ َ َ َ ٌ � َ َ ُ ّ� َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ � ّ� َ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ،‫ َرَفَعُه الَّلُه َتَعاَلى‬،‫اْلَم ِِسيَح َصَّلى الَّلُه َعَلْي ِِه َوَسَّلَم َن ِِبٌّي ُمَتَقِّدٌّم‬ ْ ْ ُ َ ّ� ْ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ � ُ ْ ُّ ‫ َل َ ْْم َّيَْن ََسْخ‬،‫اُم‬ ‫ُث �َّم ُيُْنِزُِل ُُه ِفِي آ ِِخ ِِر الَّزَّم َو ِِإَذا َنَزَل اْلَم ِِسيُح َّعَلْي ِِه الَّسَل‬ � َ ّ� � � ُ ُ َ ٌ � َ ُ ََ ّ ً َ ‫ ََوَل َ ْْم‬،‫وُل الَّل ِِّه ََصَّلى الَّل ُُه ََعَل ْْي ِِه ََو ََسَّل ََم‬ ‫َش ْْيًئا ِِم �َّما َأَتى ِِب ِِه ُمَحَّمٌّد َُرُس‬ ََْ � َُ َ ‫َيَ ََتَقَ �َّد ِِّم اْلِْإ ََم‬ ‫ ََوُيُ ََصِّلّي َخْلَف ُُه‬،‫ َبَ ْْل ُيَق �ِّد ُُّم ُُه‬،‫اَم ِِم ْْن ُأ �َّم ِِّت ِِه‬ ِ

“In our own explanation, we say that there is no discrepancy in this because the Messiahas was an old prophet and Allah raised him, then he will make him descend back to the world in the Latter Days. And when the Messiah will descend, he will not abrogate anything in what the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa brought, and he will not lead but pray behind the Imam of the ummah.” (Imam Ibn Qutaybah, Ta’wil Mukhtalifil Hadith, al-Maktbah al-Islami, Beirut, p. 271) This is also a flawed argument because, whether an old or new prophet, the Holy Prophetsa made it clear that he was the last prophet. No matter how we try to twist it, with this line of argument, Prophet Jesusas is still the last prophet chronologically. Let us illustrate this with an example. Let’s say that Zaid enters a room at 3pm and leaves, then Bakr enters it at 4pm and leaves, then Zaid re-enters the room at 5pm and leaves. Who was the ‘last’ person in the room? Undoubtedly, Zaid was the last person in the room; whether he had been there before Bakr or not, chronologically, he was the last person in the room. This is the same line of argument here, and it would be Prophet Jesusas who came last. The source of the problem with these arguments from these scholars is their belief that Prophet Jesusas is still alive in heaven, a belief clearly against the Holy Quran because it is not supported by any verse of the Quran. Rather, the same Hazrat Jesusas who came as a prophet to the Israelites about 600 years before the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa has passed away like a normal mortal and like all prophets before him. Another person was to be raised by Allah the Almighty from this ummah bearing the title of “Isa al-Masih” in the spiritual sense because of his similarities with Prophet Jesusas. This is the solution to this question, as clarified by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. How can Prophet Jesusas still be alive in heaven when neither the Quran nor any authentic ahadith support it? Let us look into a solid argument from the Quran that invalidates the return of the old Prophet Jesusas who was sent to the Israelites in the latter days as the Messiah for Muslim ummah. In Surah al-Mai’dah verses 117-119, Allah the Almighty informs us of the questions He would ask Prophet Jesusas about his followers on the Day of Judgement. The reply he would give to Allah the Almighty would be:

َ� ُ َ� ُۡ َۡ �ٰ َ َ ۡ َ ‫اِس اَّت ِِخُذ ۡۡوِن ِ ۡۡی‬ ‫َو ِِاۡذ َق‬ ‫اَل الّٰل ُُہ ٰٰی ِِع ۡۡی ََسی ۡاۡب ََن ََم ۡۡرَیَ ََم ََءَاۡن ََت ُقۡل ََت ِل ِلَّن‬ ِ َ‫اَل ُُس ۡۡب ٰٰح ََن ََک ََما َیَ ُُکۡوۡ ُُن ِلۤۡی�ۤ َاَ ۡۡن َاَ ُُقۡوَۡل‬ َ ‫ََوُاُِّم�َِیَ ِِاٰلٰ ََہۡی ۡ ِِن ِِم ۡۡن ُُد ۡۡو ِِن ال ٰ�ّٰل ِِہ� ََق‬ َ َِ ََ ُۡ ُۡ ‫ََما َل َ ۡۡی ََس ِل ِ ۡۡی ٭ ِِب ََح � ٍٍّق� ِِا ۡۡن ُکۡن ُُت ُقۡل ُُت ٗٗہ َفَق ۡۡد ََع ِِل ۡۡم ََت ٗٗہ� َت ۡۡعَل ُُم ََما ِف ِ ۡۡی‬ ُۡ ُ َ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ ُ َ� َ َ ۡ َ َ َ� َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ُ َ ۡ َ ۤ َ َ ۡ ۡ َ ‫َنۡف ِِسۡی َوَلۤا َاۡعَلُم َما ِفِۡی َنۡف ِِسَک� ِِاَّنَک َاۡنَت َعَّلاُم اۡلُغُیۡو ِِب َما ُقۡلُت‬ َ ُۡ ُ َ �ٰ ۡ ‫َل َ ُُہ ۡۡم ِِاَّل�َا ََمۤا ۤ َاَ ََم ۡۡرَتَِن ۡۡی ِب �ٖۤہۤ َاَِن‬ ‫اۡع ُُب ُُدوا الّٰل َ ََہ ََرِّب ِ� ۡۡی ََو ََر �َّبُک ۡۡم� ََوُکۡن ُُت ََعَل ۡۡی ِِہ ۡۡم‬ ِ ِ ِ َ‫الَّرَِقِ ۡۡیَب‬ � ‫ََشِہ ۡۡیًدً ا �ََّما ُُد ۡۡم ُُت ِفِ ۡۡیِہ ۡۡم� ََف ََل �ََّما َتََوَ �َّف ۡۡی ََتِنِ ۡۡی ُُک ۡۡن ََت َاَۡن ۡ ََت‬ ِ َ ُ َ ۡ ُ َ� َ ۡ ُ ۡ � َ ُ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ َ � ُ ٰ َ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ۡ ِ َ َ ‫َعَلۡی ِِہۡم� َوَاۡنَت َعٰلی ُک ِِّل َشۡی ٍٍء َش ِِہۡید ِِاۡن ُتَع ِِّذۡبُہۡم َف ِِاَّنُہۡم ِِعَباُدَک‬ َۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ َ َ َ� َ ‫ۚ ََو ِِا ۡۡن َتۡغ ِِف ۡۡر َل َ ُُہ ۡۡم َف ِِاَّنَک َاۡن ََت اۡل ََع ِِزۡیۡ ُُز اۡل ََح ِِک ۡۡی ُُم‬ “And when Allah will say, ‘O Jesus, son of Mary, didst thou say to men, ‘Take me and my mother for two gods beside Allah?’’, he will answer, ‘Holy art Thou. I could never say that to which I had no right. If I had said it, Thou wouldst have surely known it. Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I know not what is in Thy mind. It is only Thou Who art the Knower of hidden things. “‘I said nothing to them except that which Thou didst command me — ‘Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.’ And I was a witness over them as long as I remained among them, but since Thou didst cause me to die, Thou hast been the Watcher over them; and Thou art Witness over all things. “‘If Thou punish them, they are Thy servants; and if Thou forgive them, Thou surely art the Mighty, the Wise.’” It is clear from these glorious verses of the Holy Quran that this conversation between Prophet Jesusas and Allah the Almighty would take place on the Day of Judgement. Allah the Almighty will question him regarding his followers taking him as a partner with Allah. He would deny responsibility by stating that he was only aware of their state while he was still alive, that he kept watch over them, and that none worshipped him while he was alive. He will tell Allah the Almighty that it was only after his death that his people started to worship him. This, in fact, is the reality of the matter. The concept of the Trinity and the sonship status of Jesusas were never preached by him while alive. It was introduced to Christianity much later on by others. The interesting thing about this verse is that it exposes the shallowness of the arguments of the scholars saying that Prophet Jesusas of the Israelites is still alive in heaven and will be the one to descend in the Latter Days. If Prophet Jesusas truly came back to this world before the Day of Judgement, would it be right for him to tell God on the Day of Judgement that he knew nothing about anyone taking him as God? His coming to the world would have afforded him the opportunity to see the state of Christianity and those who claim to be his followers. He would have seen how far they have gone in taking him as god apart from the Almighty. Telling God, “I know nothing of their doings after my death,” would become a false statement, as he would have been aware of the state of his followers before Judgement Day.

The correct interpretation In his further explanation of these narrations, Imam Ibn Qutaybah gave a beautiful approach to this issue. He quoted the statement of Hazrat Aishara to explain these two seemingly contradictory narrations:

� َ َ َ َ ََ ُ ُ ُ ُ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ � َ َ ْ َ ُ ّ� ‫وِل الَّل ِِّه‬ ِ ‫َوَع �ّ ْْن َع ّاِئَِشَة ََر ِِضَيَ الَّلُه َعْنَها َأَّن َّها َكاَنْت َتُقو َُلُقوُلوا ِل َِرَُس‬ َْ َ َ َ ُ ُ � ‫ ََوَلَا َتُقوُلوا َلَا َن ِِب �َّيّ َبَ ْْع ََد ُُه‬،‫ َخاَت ََم اْلَْأْن ِِب ََيا ِِء‬،‫ََصَّلى الَّل ُُه ََعَل ْْي ِِه ََوسلم‬

“It is narrated by Hazrat Aishara, that she used to say that: ‘Say that Allah’s Messengersa is the Khaatamul Anbiya (i.e., The Seal of the Prophets, but mostly translated by most non-Ahmadis as the Last of Prophets), but do not say there will be no prophet after him.” This narration is recorded by Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah in his “Musannaf”, with this sanad (chain): “Husain bin Muhammad narrated to us that Jarir bin Hazim reported to us from Hazrat Aishara” This narration is also recorded by Yahya bin Salaam in his tafsir. The narration is recorded under the tafsir of Surah al-Ahzab with the sanad: “Ar-Rabee’ bin Sobeeh reported from Muhammad bin Seerin, who heard it from Hazrat Aishara” The statement is confirmed to be from Hazrat Aishara as it is reported by more than two different people from her, Ibn Seerin and Jarir bin Hazim. Imam Ibn Qutaybah explained this statement by Hazrat Aishara. He said:

ّ� ّ� � َ َ َ َّ ُ ُ ْ ّ� ‫وِل الَّل ِِّه ََصَّلى الَّل ُُه‬ ‫ََوَأ �َّما َقْوْ ُُل ّ ََعاِئَِشَة ََر ِِضَيَ الَّل ُُه ََعْن ََهاُقوُلوا ِل َِرَ ُُس‬ ِ � َ َ َْ َ َ � َ ُ َُ ‫ ََوَلَا َتُقوُلوا َلَا َن ِِب �َّيّ َبَ ْْع ََد ُُه َف ِِإَّن ََّها‬،‫ََعَل ْْي ِِه ََو ََسَّل ََم َخاَت ُُم اْلَْأْن ِِب ََيا ِِء‬ َْ َ َ َ ُ ّ َ ُ َ ‫الَّسَل‬ � ‫يَسى ََعَل ْْي ِِه‬ َ ‫وِل ِِع‬ ،‫ ََوَل ْْي ََس ََهَذا ِِم ْْن َقْوِْل ََِها‬،ّ‫اُم‬ ‫َتْذ ََه ُُب ِِإَلَى ُن ُُز‬ ِ ّ َ �َ ّ� َ ً َ َ ّ� � َ � ‫َناِقًِضا ِل َِقْوْ ِِل الَّن ِِب ّ�ِّي ََصَّلى الَّل ُُه ََعَل ْْي ِِه ََو ََسَّل ََم َلَا َن ِِب �َّيّ َبَ ْْع ِِدي ِلَِأ َّّن ُُّه َأ ََر َاَد‬ ُّ � � َ ُ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ ‫ َكَما َكاَن ِِت اْلَأْن ِِبَياُء َصَّلى الَّلُه‬،‫ َيْنَسُخ َما ِِجْئُت ِِب ِِه‬،‫َلَا َن ِِب �َّيّ َبَ ْْع ِِد ّي‬ َ ّ َ ّ � � ُ َ َ ْ ْ ُ ُ ‫ ََوَأ ََر َاَدْت ِِهَيَ َلَا َتُقوُلوا ِِإ �َّن اْل ََم ِِسيح‬،‫ََعَل ْْي ِِه ْْم ََو ََسَّل ََم َت ْْب ََعُث ِِبالُّن ََس ِِخ‬ ‫َلَا ينزل بعده‬

“The interpretation put forth by Hazrat Aishara that ‘Say, the Holy Prophet is Khatam of Prophets but do not say no prophet will come after him’, refers to the coming of Jesusas in the Latter Days. This does not contradict the words of the Holy Prophetsa that ‘There will be no prophet after me’ because the Holy Prophetsa meant that there would be no prophet after him who would abrogate his law. Hazrat Aishara meant that ‘do not say that the Messiah will not come’” (Imam Ibn Qutaybah, Ta’wil Mukhtalifil Hadith, al-Maktbah al-Islami, Beirut, p. 272) This is exactly the belief of all Ahmadis. It has been passed down to them not just from the Promised Messiahas, but also from the earlier righteous ones of the Muslim ummah. The only way these two narrations won’t contradict each other and won’t also contradict the true stance of the Holy Quran is that the Messiah of the Latter Days will come with no new law or teachings, but rather with the teachings of Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, and his being a prophet will not affect the Seal of Prophethood of Prophet Muhammadsa. Hazrat Aishara knew that the Holy Prophetsa had used that phrase. However, she also understood that his words could be misunderstood. Therefore, she made a point to clarify that by saying “La nabiyya ba‘di”, the Holy Prophetsa did not mean that there would be no prophet after him. It is agreed by all that the Messiahas of Nazareth did not receive his blessings through the Holy Prophetsa, nor can he do so. Suppose Jesusas returns; he would have read the Torah and Bible, not the Quran or the ahadith. The question arises, would he take on a mentor? Would he become a disciple of a religious cleric to learn the Quran and Hadith?

Some people say that God will directly reveal the Holy Quran to him just like it was revealed to the Holy Prophetsa. Even the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa will be revealed to him. If this were the case, how is that blessing received through the Holy Prophetsa? Jesusas is an independent prophet who had no relation to the Muslim ummah, he belonged to another dispensation. According to this belief, he sat in heaven for 2000 years, and when he comes again, he will receive direct revelation from God! The Promised Messiahas says that one of the meanings of Khatam an-Nabiyyin is that no law-bearing prophet can come because Khatamiyyat has the connotation of encompassing all goodness and qualities. If a teaching has reached perfection and does not exclude any good quality, then the question of a new teaching only arises if the teaching has been disfigured and tainted. However, Allah the Almighty has also guaranteed that the Quran will be protected. (Surah al-Hijr, Ch. 15: V.10) The natural and logical conclusion of these two facts – Khatamiyyat, ensuring that the book revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa encompasses all good qualities, and God simultaneously promising that the jurisdiction of His law will extend till the Day of Judgement – is that this is the last teaching. The Holy Prophetsa is reported to have said that he and the Day of Judgement are as close together as two fingers of a hand. That is, there cannot be anybody who would abrogate his commandments or interfere in his law till the Day of Judgment – and beyond that, the question does not even arise. This is exactly what the Promised Messiahas has said and it is what riles the opponents of Ahmadiyya the most. Our opponents attack us, claiming that on the one hand, we believe that the Holy Prophetsa is Khatam an-Nabiyyin and profess on oath that we believe in the verse of Khatam an-Nabiyyin in the Quran, but on the other hand, we open the door to the advent of an ummati Prophet. They claim that we say Khatamiyyat means ‘the last’ with reference to shari‘ah [Islamic law], but not with reference to the non-law-bearing prophethood. The Promised Messiahas writes in this respect: “The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was granted the unique honour of being Khatam anNabiyyin because, firstly, all spiritual qualities of prophethood have reached their pinnacle in him. Secondly, there cannot be a law-bearing prophet after him or one who is not in his ummah. Everyone who receives the honour of divine revelation does so only through the Holy Prophetsa and his blessings. Such a one is designated as an ummati prophet and not an independent Prophet.” (Tatimmah Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 380) Further, the Promised Messiahas writes: “All prophethood has come to an end except the prophethood of Muhammadsa. No law-bearing prophet can come after him. A prophet who does not bring a new law can come, but he has to be a follower of the Holy Prophetsa first”. (Tajalliyyat-e-Ilahiyyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 412) This is the true interpretation and reconciliation of these two narrations, as explained by the Promised Messiahas himself. Ponder over his claims and do not reject them in haste or arrogantly.

Friday 24 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

Spiritual advancement is key to the progress of Muslims Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s advice to the Muslim World Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

During his Friday Sermon on 9 September 1927, delivered from Shimla, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmadra shed light on the fact that the secret to one’s progress lies not merely in the realm of worldly pursuits, but in the realm of spiritual advancement. Huzoorra said: “A disease cannot be completely cured until it is treated in an appropriate manner, and the same is the principle for curing individual and national ailments. The alleviation of suffering and problems faced by contemporary Muslims is impossible without an appropriate remedy. And that appropriate remedy, which can heal their miseries of various kinds, cannot be attained without the guidance of God Almighty. These national ailments cannot be healed until they act upon the cure and method taught by God Almighty. “Often, people are mistaken when they fail to differentiate between national and religious progress. As a result, they neglect the correct principle and, consequently, experience failure. The principles for national and religious progress are markedly distinct. Islam does not belong to a single nation; rather, it is a religion that comprises various nations. If only the national principles are kept in mind, a Muslim can never progress, since different nations have their own respective principles for their progress. For the progress of a nation, it is essential to ponder over its circumstances, requirements, traditions, habits and environment. If these factors are ignored, the nation regresses instead of [making] progress. However, once these factors are pondered over, a correct pathway is paved, which leads them to progress.” (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 11, p. 200) Huzoorra continued: “As I have said earlier, Islam is a religion, not a ‘nation’, in fact, it brings various nations into its fold. Islam consists of people belonging to various nationalities, such as Kashmiris, Afghans, Arabs, Egyptians, Turks, and Chinese, and people belonging to many other countries. So, the Muslims of every nationality and country have different circumstances, requirements, habits and environments; for this reason, [the Muslims of] every nation would have different means of their progress. [...] For this reason, it is imperative for religious progress to be based on religious principles. It is quite possible for the people of Bengal, Madras, Sindh, Turkey, or Arabia to progress in light of their respective circumstances, traditions and environments; however, if all

nations aspire to progress on one common principle, it has only one way, which is for them to progress on religious principles. They can all progress once they firmly act upon the religious principles, since the religion has created within them a kind of harmony. While a certain nation can surely progress on its national principles, the Muslims as a whole cannot [progress using the principles of a certain nation]. Though it is a separate matter that they may also have some common factors for progress. Due to the fact that we desire the progress of the Muslims as a whole, we are required to act upon the principle that is set for religious progress.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 11, pp. 200-201) Huzoorra continued by saying that faith and certainty are the two factors required for religious progress, and ultimately for the progress of all mankind: “For the progress of nations, their respective reservations and weaknesses need to be eliminated, whereas religious progress requires advancement in faith and certainty. This is such a power that could change anything. Always remember that faith is, in fact, ikseer-e-a‘zam [the greatest remedy]. This is the real remedy. People often seek imaginary solutions that might change their condition and prove beneficial for all problems; however, I inform you and call towards a remedy that is certain [in its effectiveness]. This remedy is the ikseer-eimaan [remedy of faith]. [...] The remedy of faith heals all those shortcomings that cause a nation’s humiliation and decline; in fact, it has such an impact that it revives those nations. The certainty and faith about reuniting with such a High Being – Who is unmatchable in His powers, encompasses all attributes, and fulfils all of our needs – inculcates such sincere love, which creates a true yearning. As a result, it grants one the passion to mould their character in accordance with His attributes. When faith reaches such a level and one’s willpower begins to flourish, it generates such strength that alone alleviates all shortcomings: one’s miserliness transforms into generosity, cowardice into bravery, harshness into tenderness, oppression into justice, and cruelty into sympathy and mutual assistance. In short, all of the vices are alleviated, and good morals are instilled. In this way, all of the nations can progress at the same time. “Therefore, religious progress is that principle which is essential for the progress of Muslims. They will continue to move towards progress, in proportion to the advancement of their faith and certainty. This is the remedy through which the Muslims of the whole world would progress, regardless of their nationality. This remedy

is for everyone, whether they are Kashmiri, Afghan, Turk, Arab, Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, or any other. Faith is the only remedy that can bring about a revolution, and faith grants such a power which is unmatchable. “There is a kind of awakening among the [contemporary] Muslims, and they are concerned about their national progress. Though they are making national progress, they are regressing with respect to their religion. Turks are progressing; however, they are moving backwards with regard to religion, and this factor is causing them to part ways with the [Muslims of] India and Egypt. In the same way, Egyptians and Iranians are progressing in their respective spheres; however, they are facing differences in terms of [their interpretation of] Islam. “The reality is that until they progress with respect to Islam and strengthen their faith and certainty, their [national] progress will move them away [from Islam]. Therefore, the methods of national and religious progress are different from each other. For Islamic progress, faith is essential and also that our actions are based on [the teachings of] Islam. If we do not follow this pathway, the Muslims will never progress. It is possible that Iranians, Turks and Egyptians may progress; however, it would not be the progress of Islam until there is religious progress, which is the practical essence of the religion of Islam. […] Islam is such a power that grants all kinds of advancements simultaneously [i.e., spiritual and worldly]. “Therefore, the secret to the progress of Muslims lies in their progress with respect to [adherence to the teachings of] Islam – that pure Islam which was brought by Allah’s Messengersa, the Islam which is presented by the Holy Quran, and the Islam which is pure from all those traditions which were mixed up by the Jews and Christians while converting to Islam.” (Ibid., pp. 201-203) Then, while advising the members of the Jamaat, Huzoorra said: “I call the attention of the members of our Jamaat to the fact that they have joined a Jamaat that has taken responsibility for not only the revival and progress of Islam but also for its propagation. They should bring people’s attention and remind Muslims that their progress is achievable only when they

instil within them the spirit of progress with respect to Islam. Merely using the name of Islam would not lead to success, and it would be harmful if one mixes up national and religious progress. “Always remember that there is only one way for the Muslims to progress and that it should be based on [the teachings of] Islam. Therefore, if one carries out tabligh while keeping in mind this point, it shall make their words impactful, and instil spirituality within their discourse and purity in their hearts. “I pray to God Almighty that we may not halt our religious progress in pursuit of national progress, but rather, our national progress should be based on the progress of Islam. Amin.” (Ibid., p. 203) During his Friday Sermon on 13 July 1928, Huzoorra said: “Surah al-Fatihah encompasses such meanings that if one ponders over them, they can learn extraordinary points. At this time, the subject on which I wish to shed light from Surah al-Fatihah has been mentioned in the following words:

َ َ َ ۡ َ َ َ ‫ِِا �َّیاَک َن ۡۡع ُُب ُُد ََو ِِا �َّیاَک َن ۡۡس ََت ِِعۡی ُُن‬

“[‘Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help.’ Surah alFatihah, Ch. 1: V. 5)] “Nowadays, a question is arising among the Muslims as to ‘how we can progress and save ourselves from humiliation and regress.’ For this, various schemes are being utilised. In my view, the pathway to progress has َ َ َ ۡ َ َ َ been taught in ‫ ِِا �َّیاَک َن ۡۡع ُُب ُُد ََو ِِا �َّیاَک َن ۡۡس ََتِعِۡی ُُن‬, which is normally meant as ‘Thee alone do we worship,’ and the meaning of this is taken to Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 24 November 2023

Hazrat Sir Zafrulla Khan’s critique of the partition of Palestine This article is based on a speech originally delivered by Amjad Mahmood Khan Sahib, National Secretary for External Affairs of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya USA, at the “Voices for Peace” event. Hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK at the House of Commons on 15 November 2023, the event focused on the ongoing crisis in the Holy Land and the urgent need for peace. This particular speech focused on the efforts of Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra for the Palestinian cause. –The Editor Amjad Mahmood Khan National Secretary for External Affairs, USA

As we witness incalculable human loss in Palestine, we must reflect not only on our present circumstances but also on important historic markers that drove us to this point. For the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, one historic marker bears special significance because it involves one of the Community’s distinguished and righteous personalities, Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrulla Khan, may Allah be pleased with him. Sir Zafrulla Khanra was among the early Muslims to accept the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, as the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him. He was a distinguished statesman who was Pakistan’s first Foreign Minister and later became President of the United Nations General Assembly and Judge at the International Court of Justice. On 18 February 1947, the British Government referred the issue of Palestine and the Israeli-Arab debate to the United Nations. On 15 May of that same year, the UN created a special committee on Palestine, which was referred to as UNSCOP. On 22 << Continued from previous page

be offering prayers, fasting, performing Hajj, paying zakat, and in return, they expect to progress in the world. […] In order to become the ‫[ عبد‬servant] of God Almighty, it is not enough to merely perform prayers, fasts, Hajj or pay zakat. […] True servitude is for one to instil the attributes of God Almighty in their actions. […] Here, God Almighty has taught the Muslims to inculcate the attributes of God in themselves; it is then that they can truly deserve to claim, ‘Thee alone do we worship’. “Now, look how greatly this question gets solved. People often say: ‘Muslims offer prayers; then why do they continue to regress and why don’t they progress?’ The reason is that they do not inculcate the attributes of Allah the Almighty within themselves. There was a time when the Muslims had advanced in all fields and no one could compete with them, and thus, they continued to progress since they did not advance in all fields to fulfil their desire to seek the world. Those who always aim for worldly gains, regress very quickly. Thus,

October of that same year, the UNSCOP appointed two subcommittees: the first to draw up a detailed plan for the partition of Palestine, and the second to discuss an alternative plan. This second subcommittee was headed by Sir Zafrulla Khanra and Fares Bey Al-Khoury of Syria, both of whom prepared a rigorous and detailed report and critique of the UN plan to partition Palestine. Ultimately, on 29 November, 1947, the UN General Assembly adopted the partition plan presented by UNSCOP Subcommittee 1, but not without a spirited critique and opposition from Sir Zafrulla Khanra. I wish to spend just a few minutes summarising the heart of Sir Zafrulla Khan’s critique of the partition of Palestine. This critique provides a historic snapshot of one of the most consequential decisions ever made by the United Nations, which has since engendered deep divisions between Israel and Palestine. Sir Zafrulla Khan’sra speech was delivered almost 76 years ago, on 28 November 1947. It can be said that his remarks arguably comprised the single most spirited defence of the rights of Palestinians ever officially recorded. He was the chief spokesperson and architect of the Muslim point of view there was a time when the Muslims were partaking in all fields, and their purpose was only to enhance the honour of Islam. […] “The only pathway for the Muslims to progress is to become devoted servants of God Almighty, and to become beneficial for the world in all fields and aspects. […] It is essential for a community’s progress that each of its members brings perfection in various fields. […] We are required to keep in mind the purpose for which God Almighty has sent us into the world. A servant is obliged to endeavour to do their best, and if they do not do so, they cannot be deserving of reward. […] It is essential for us to set a high objective for our lives, and that is for us to become the true servants of Allah the Almighty, meaning that just like the attributes of God Almighty are manifested for everyone, we are also obliged to do the same and serve for the whole world’s betterment, and prove to be beneficial for all people. May Allah the Almighty enable us to inculcate His attributes within ourselves and then utilise them for the world’s benefit.” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol., 11, pp. 412-416)

at the time. To set the stage, the UN Special Committee on Palestine was tasked with making recommendations concerning the future government of Palestine. A majority on that committee adopted a special plan to partition Palestine, rejecting other approaches by which Jews and Arabs could peacefully co-exist in Palestine. Sir Zafrulla Khanra strongly questioned the ultimate resolution that was passed to partition Palestine and plainly foretold the dire consequences of the ill-fated decision not to consider the resolution of the Palestinian question with justice and moral clarity. For the sake of brevity, I will only touch on five important lessons from Sir Zafrulla Khan’sra speech. First, Sir Zafrulla Khanra stressed the importance of the inherent disparity in land allocation and boundaries. Specifically, he pointed out how the proposed partition plan that was ultimately approved resulted in nearly 435,000 Arabs living in Israel (with 498,000 Jews), while only 10,000 Jews living in Palestine (with almost one million Arabs). I quote a portion of his remarks: “Let us now consider the boundaries for a moment. How about the area? Jews constitute 33 per cent of the population and Arabs 67 per cent, but 60 per cent of the area of Palestine is to go to the Jewish State. Moreover, what is the character of the area, excluding for the moment the desert waste to which I shall refer later? Of the cultivable area of Palestine, the plains, by and large, go to the Jewish State, the hills to the Arabs. There was a document circulated to members of the Committees by the United Kingdom representative showing that, of the irrigated, cultivable areas, 84 per cent would be in the Jewish State and 16 per cent in the Arab State. A very fair division for one-third of the population to receive 84 per cent while two-thirds receive 16 per cent.” (“Future government of Palestine – GA debate – Verbatim record, HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH PLENARY MEETING”, www.un.org) The brazen disparity highlighted by Sir Zafrulla Khanra was designed to engender conflict in the region. Second, Sir Zafrulla Khanra stressed the importance of the fundamental universal right of self-determination of the Palestinian people. I quote a portion of his remarks: “How is Palestine to be independent?

What sort of independence? What is the solution that we are invited to endorse and to attempt to carry through? In effect, the proposal before the United Nations General Assembly says that we shall decide—not the people of Palestine, with no provision for self-determination, no provision for the consent of the governed [...] We shall call Palestine independent and sovereign, but Palestine shall belong to us and shall be, not the apple of our many and in differentdirection-looking eyes but shall become the apple of discord between East and West.” (Ibid.) Third, Sir Zafrulla Khanra stressed the importance of fairness in the allocation of genuine refugees in need of a home. Again, I quote from his speech: “There have been few periods in history when members of the Jewish race have not been persecuted in one part or another of Europe. Today, it is said: only the poor persecuted European Jew is without a home. This is true. And it is further said: let Arab Palestine provide him, as Arab Spain did, not only with a shelter, a refuge, but also with a State so that he shall rule over the Arab. How generous! How humanitarian! “The United Nations Special Committee on Palestine urged that the General Assembly take up this question of refugees and displaced persons immediately, apart from the problem of Palestine, to afford relief to the persecuted Jews so Continued on next page >>

Friday 24 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

Palestinian Ambassador calls for ceasefire in Gaza at Voices for Peace event at UK Parliament On 15 November 2023, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK held a Voices for Peace event at the House of Commons. Journalists and media representatives were invited to the event where Mr Hussam Zomlot (Ambassador to the United Kingdom for Palestine) and other politicians would be talking about the plight of Palestinians and the immediate need for peace in the world. The event commenced at approximately 5:35pm with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Talat Syam Sahib, who recited verses 9-10 of Surah al-Ma’idah. Following this, a series of guests were given the platform to talk about the importance of uniting at this time and the need to raise our voices peacefully to bring about effective solutions amid the violations of human rights being witnessed in Palestine. Rt. Hon Ed Davey took to the stage and after expressing his admiration for the works of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, he expounded on the fact that there is a dire need to bring about a solution to this problem, and indeed anything that threatens world peace, and he encouraged Ahmadis to do their utmost to play their role in establishing justice. After this, Mr Husam Zomlot, Head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK, delivered a heartfelt address to the audience regarding the question of Palestine and Israel, and how

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that there should be an alleviation of this humanitarian problem and an alleviation of the Palestinian problem. “What has this great and august body done in that respect? Sub-Committee 2 made a recommendation and drew up a draft resolution on that basis. [...] First, let those Jewish refugees and displaced persons who can be repatriated to their own countries be repatriated; secondly, those who cannot be repatriated should be allotted to Member States in accordance with then-capacity to receive such refugees; and, thirdly, a committee should be set up to determine quotas for that purpose.” (Ibid.) Indeed, none of what Sir Zafrulla Khanra suggested ever happened. He points out that none of the Western countries took a fair number of Jewish refugees – be it America, Canada, or Australia. Sir Zafrulla Khanra wondered how the United Nations could ever support the hypocrisy of morally mandating Palestine to accept Jewish refugees while disallowing any such refugees to come to Western countries. Even today, we see reverberations of this very problem, but in a reverse manner: with some Israeli officials now demanding that Western and Muslim nations accept refugees from Gaza even as they forcibly

Photo: Library

important it is for supporters of Palestine to raise their voices in this dreadful time. He called for an immediate ceasefire, and said that “the world is listening”. He added that how we act today will determine which side of history we’ll be on in the future. Following this, Khalil Yusuf Sahib delivered a short presentation on human rights and the teachings of Islam regarding them. He elaborated on Islam’s teachings during warfare and its promotion of peace.

Then Ibrahim Ikhlaf Sahib spoke about the contribution and guidance of Ahmadiyya Khilafat with regard to the cause of Palestine. He mentioned the foresight and sheer wisdom of the Khulafa, and gave examples and instances where guidance was provided on complicated geopolitical situations. Amjad Mahmood Khan Sahib then delivered a short speech on the efforts of Hazrat Zafrulla Khan Sahibra for the

displace them. Fourth, Sir Zafrulla Khanra stressed the vital significance of forging a middle path between two extremes in facilitating the right to self-determination. I again quote from his speech: “Has the United Nations made any effort to bring the Arab and the Jew together, to find a middle way which might provide a solution on which both peoples might combine to work— the only solution that could have any possible chance of being successfully worked out? “There was the minority report. There were other suggestions—and there can still be other suggestions if statesmanship is not entirely bankrupt—which could have been committed to the consideration of a third body. A large number of delegations did not support either the unitary idea or the partition idea. Why was their talent not utilised to find some solution, some middle way?” (Ibid.) Fifth and finally, Sir Zafrulla Khanra stressed the importance of peaceful co-existence and minority rights and safeguards while also respecting majority populations. Again, I quote: “The United Nations should seek and strive to unite and bring together rather than to divide and put asunder.” (Ibid.) Sir Zafrulla Khanra predicted the outcome that all of us are presently

witnessing. He said these words after the resolution for Palestine’s partition passed at the UN: “A fateful decision has been taken. The die has been cast [...] We did succeed in persuading a sufficient number of our fellow representatives to see the right as we saw it, but they were not permitted to stand by the right as they saw it. Our hearts are sad, but our conscience is easy. We would not have it the other way round [...] “We very much fear that the benefit, if any, to which partition may lead will be small in comparison to the mischief which it might inaugurate [...] We entertain no sense of grievance against those of our friends and fellow representatives who have been compelled, under heavy pressures, to change sides and to cast their votes in support of a proposal the justice and fairness of which do not commend themselves to them. Our feeling for them is one of sympathy that they should have been placed in a position of such embarrassment between their judgement and conscience, on the one side, and the pressure to which they and their Governments were being subjected on the other.” (“Palestine question – GA debate – Verbatim record, United Nations 2290th GENERAL PLENARY MEETING”, www.un.org) In the decades since Sir Zafrulla Khan’sra speech, many have attested to his

Palestinian cause and gave specific examples when his impeccable political farsightedness proved to be true. He was an integral voice for Palestine in one of its most difficult times, and his voice remains one of the few voices in the political theatre that were, are and will be on the right side of history. Mr Karim A. A. Khan, KC, Prosecutor of the ICC, had sent a video address, in which he talked about the various people around the world who had been suffering and in particular the people of Gaza and Palestine. He said that we must not turn a blind eye to the wrongdoings that are being committed on both sides, and we must not stand for any sort of injustice. Abdul Quddus Arif Sahib, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, was next to speak. He highlighted the guidance and wisdom Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has imparted regarding the ongoing Palestine-Israel issue. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has time and again said that without true justice, there can be no peace in the world. And if we want to see a solution to the atrocities we see in the world today, the world must unite and shun all forms of injustice. Following that, Rafiq Hayat Sahib, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK, said a few words of gratitude, after which he formally brought the proceedings to a close. (Report prepared by Al Hakam)

prescience. As early as 1974, the President of Algeria reminded the UN General Assembly of the “almost prophetic words” of Sir Zafrulla Khan, lamenting that his “prophecy” had “come true.” Matters have only worsened since then, and today we are yet again witnessing the precise outcome he predicted. (Ibid.) In sum, the grand words of Sir Zafrulla Khanra provide a valuable blueprint for how the world must seek to resolve the present conflict. Indeed, the past is prologue, and there is still an opportunity for nations and world leaders to heed and implement the five lessons from his historic address. I close with the same prayer Sir Zafrulla Khanra closed within his 1947 speech: “May God, who controls all hearts and knows their innermost thoughts and designs, who alone can appraise the true value and foresees the consequences of all human action, in His Grace and Mercy so guide our judgment that what we decide here today shall promote and foster the peace, prosperity and welfare of all His creatures, Jews, Arabs, and Gentiles alike, and shall redound to His Glory forever.” Amin. (“Future government of Palestine – GA debate – Verbatim record, HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIXTH PLENARY MEETING”, www.un.org)

AL HAKAM | Friday 24 November 2023

Friday Sermon Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, Tilford, UK

27 October 2023 Muhammadsa: The Great Exemplar After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated: Accounts in the life of the Holy Prophetsa were being related. An incident of the Holy Prophetsa drawing the attention of his daughter and son-in-law towards the Tahajjud prayer is recorded in Sahih alBukhari as follows. Hazrat Ali bin Abu Talibra relates that one day the Holy Prophetsa visited him and his own daughter, Hazrat Fatimahra and said: “Do both of you not offer the prayer?” I replied: “O Messengersa of Allah! Our lives are in the hands of Allah. He wakes us whenever He desires to do so.” (This is in relation to the Tahajjud prayer.) Hazrat Alira says that the Holy Prophetsa did not respond to this and left. While the Holy Prophetsa was leaving, I heard him saying the following whilst striking his thigh with his hands:

ً‫َ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ لًا‬ ‫الِإْنَساُن َأْكَثَر َشْى ٍٍء َجَد‬ ِ ‫َوَكاَن‬

“But of all things man is most contentious. (18:55)” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab at-tahajjud, Bab tahridi n-nabisa ‘ala qiyami l-layli wa n-nawafil, Hadith 1127) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has recorded the details of this incident in the following manner: “One evening, the Holy Prophetsa visited his son-in-law, Hazrat Alira, and his daughter, Hazrat Fatimahra, and said: ‘Do you offer the Tahajjud prayer? (That is, the prayer that is offered in the middle of the night.) Hazrat Alira replied: ‘O Messengersa of Allah! We try to offer it. However, if, by the will of Allah, we remain asleep then it is missed.’ The Holy Prophetsa said: ‘You should offer the Tahajjud prayer!’ He then stood up and returned to his home and on his way out, he repeatedly said:

ً‫َ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ لًا‬ ‫الِإْنَساُن َأْكَثَر َشْى ٍٍء َجَد‬ ِ ‫َوَكاَن‬

[But of all things man is most contentious. (18:55)] “This is a verse of the Holy Quran, which means that a person is often afraid to admit their mistake and covers their flaw by presenting various excuses. What it meant was that instead of Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Fatimahra saying that they err at times, instead they said that ‘when Allah desires for us not to wake up, we remain asleep?’ They attributed their weakness to Allah the Almighty?” (Dibachah Tafsir-ul-Quran,

Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 389-390) Expounding on this incident further, in one instance, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra says: “Hazrat Alira relates an incident of his, which mentions that on one occasion, he responded to the Holy Prophetsa in a manner which carried a tone of argumentation and confrontation, but instead of the Holy Prophetsa being upset or displaying anger, he responded in such a subtle manner, that perhaps Hazrat Alira enjoyed the beauty of these words until the very last days of his life. Moreover, it was his due right to derive pleasure from it. Even today, whenever a wise person learns of how exquisitely the Holy Prophetsa expressed his displeasure, it leaves them astounded. Hazrat Alira relates, ‘One evening, the Holy Prophetsa visited me and Fatimat al-Zahrara, the daughter of the Holy Prophetsa, and said: “Do you not offer the Tahajjud prayer?” I replied: “O Messengersa of Allah! Our lives are in the hands of Allah the Almighty and whenever He desires to wake us, we wake up.” Upon hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa returned without saying anything to me. Then, whilst he turned to leave, he struck his own thigh and said, “But of all things, man is most contentious.”’ Glory be to Allah! How extraordinary was the way in which the Holy Prophetsa explained to Hazrat Alira that he should not have responded in this manner. If it was someone else [responding], they first would have started arguing, that ‘look at my position and status and look at your answer; do you have any right to dismiss my words in such a fashion?’ If this were not the case, then, at the very least, they would have argued, ‘your claim is completely false, which is that a human is compelled in that all their actions are in Allah’s control; and that He forces you to act however He wills, and if He wishes, He either enables you to pray or He does not.’ The Holy Prophetsa could have said that the question of compulsion is completely against the Holy Quran. The Holy Prophetsa could have said all of this. But he did not adopt these two methods; neither did he get upset at him, nor did he argue with Hazrat Alira to highlight his mistake. Rather, he moved to one side and expressed shock at his answer, saying, ‘people are very

strange: they take a particular point which benefits them and begin to argue over it.’ In reality, this simple statement of the Holy Prophetsa was so impactful that even a 100 arguments of another person is no match in comparison. We can learn many things from this Hadith.” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further analyses this and states, “Different aspects of the Holy Prophet’ssa morals come to light through this; and it is appropriate to mention them here. “Firstly, we see how much the Holy Prophetsa cared for the spiritual wellbeing of those close to him, in that he would visit them at night [to advise them]. There are many people who are pious themselves and exhort others to be pious as well, but the condition of their own homes is dire. They do not even have the ability to reform the people of their own households. There is a well-known idiom regarding such people that ‘there is darkness underneath the lamp.’ “This means that just as a lamp illuminates everything in its surroundings but darkness remains below it, in the same way these people go around advising others, but they do not worry about whether the people in their own houses are benefitting from their light. But the Holy Prophetsa was mindful of the fact that his relatives should be illuminated by the light which he wished to spread throughout the world. He vowed to take on this responsibility, for which he would test them and teach them. Moral reformation of one’s relatives is an outstanding trait and if this quality was not found within the Holy Prophetsa, there would be a significant deficiency in his morals. But since he possessed the most excellent of morals, that is why this trait was found within him in abundance. “The second point we understand is that the Holy Prophetsa had complete conviction in the teachings which he presented to the world, and he did not doubt these teachings for even a moment. Some people allege – God forbid – that in order to deceive the entire world and establish his kingdom, the Holy Prophetsa created this whole enterprise. (This is the allegation, the opponents level.) Otherwise he did not receive any revelations. (Some orientalists used to write this, and

the disbelievers in the Holy Prophet’ssa time used to say this as well.) This was not the case; rather, the Holy Prophetsa had such firm conviction in his prophethood and appointment by God, that we find no parallel of this in the entire world. Because it can be assumed that the Holy Prophetsa may have acted with pretence in order to prove his truthfulness to the people, but it cannot be imagined that a person goes to his daughter and son-in-law, especially at night, and enquires as to whether they engage in this form of worship as well; a prayer which has not been made mandatory, but rather the observance of which God has left to the choice of the believer as to whether one wakes up in the middle of the night to observe. “For the Holy Prophetsa to go out and encourage his daughter and son-in-law to also offer the tahajjud prayers is a testament to his complete conviction upon the teaching he wished to impart to the people. Otherwise, a liar who knows that following or rejecting his teaching is inconsequential could never advise his children to adhere to it – and that too at such a hidden time [of day]. (It would be the same result in either case. Such a person would not be able to advise his children to follow his teachings.) This can only occur if a person’s heart is convinced that excellence cannot be achieved without adhering to the teaching.

Friday 24 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

“The third matter is the very reason why this incident has been presented, which is that the Holy Prophetsa explained everything with incredible patience. Instead of quarrelling, he would point out the errors of others with love and tenderness. On this particular occasion, Hazrat Alira sought to avert the Holy Prophet’ssa question by saying that after a person falls asleep, he has no control over when he will wake up; whilst a person is sleeping, he is unaware of the time for completing any task. If Allah the Almighty causes him to wake up, he offers prayer. (They had no other choice, as in that era there were no alarm clocks.) It was to no surprise that upon hearing this answer, the Holy Prophetsa was taken aback; the faith in his heart would never allow him to become so neglectful and heedlessly miss the time to offer the tahajjud prayers. It was for this reason that the Holy Prophetsa turned away and simply said, ‘Man is disobedient and quarrelsome.’ In other words, Hazrat Alira ought to have not wasted any opportunity by presenting this excuse. “Thus, Hazrat Ali, may Allah bestow His grace upon him, said, ‘After that, I was never missed offering the tahajjud prayers.’” (Sirat-un-Nabisa, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 1, pp. 588-590) We should remember this incident to draw our attention towards offering the tahajjud prayer. Missionaries, life-devotees, and office bearers should be especially mindful of this. It is the prayers offered during the night that effectively draw the grace of Allah the Almighty, and at present, these prayers are essential to save the world from destruction. In historical accounts, there is also mention of the Battle of Banu Qainuqa, which took place in 2 AH in relation to this it is recorded that after the Holy Prophetsa migrated to Medina, the disbelievers of Arabia diverged into three groups. The first group was of those with whom the Holy Prophetsa settled a peace treaty, on the condition that they would not wage war against the Holy Prophetsa, nor would they support his enemies against him. All three Jewish tribes, namely the Banu Quraizah, Banu Nadir and Banu Qainuqa, entered this peace treaty. The second group was made up of those who opposed the Holy Prophetsa and waged war against him. This group was the Quraish. The third group was made up of those who disassociated from the Holy Prophetsa and were awaiting his outcome, such as other Arab tribes. Such tribes also varied in opinion; some desired in their hearts for the Muslims to be victorious, such as the Banu Khuza‘ah. Some believed the contrary, such as the people of Banu Bakr. There were also some tribes that appeared to side with the Muslims but supported their enemies covertly. Such people were among the hypocrites. When the Holy Prophetsa arrived in Medina, he entered into peace agreements with all the Jewish people. There was a written contract between the Holy Prophetsa and the Jewish tribes; the tribes joined with their confederates, and peace treaties were established between them and the Holy Prophetsa. There were many conditions in the peace treaties, one of which was that they would not support the enemies of the Holy Prophetsa against him. (Mustafa ‘Abd al-Wahid, Subul alHuda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad,

Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 1993], p. 179.) This was in reference to the peace treaties. Regarding the Banu Qainuqa and their involvement in spreading disorder, it is recorded in historical accounts, such as Ibn Ishaq, that there was an elderly man by the name of Shas bin Qais who harboured great enmity and rancour in his heart towards the Muslims. On one occasion, some Companions from the Aus and Khazraj tribes were having a discussion at a gathering. Shas bin Qais passed by them. When he observed that, owing to Islam, they had overcome their mutual enmity from the era of ignorance and were now seated together in love and peace, he burned up in jealousy. Out of impulse, he said “Banu Qayla” (i.e., addressing the chieftains of the Banu Aus and Khazraj who had become united!) By Allah, if the noble people of the Aus and Khazraj have become united, then we cannot reside here amongst them.” He tried to incite and enrage them. He was accompanied by a Jewish youth. He instructed the youth to go sit amongst them, bring up the Battle of Bu’ath and other events of the past, and recite some of the couplets that were written in relation to those events. The Battle of Bu’ath took place in the era of ignorance between the Aus and Khazraj tribes, during which Aus prevailed over the Khazraj. At that time, the chief of the Aus tribe was Hudair bin Simak Ash’ali. He was the father of Hazrat Usaidra. The chief of the Khazraj tribe was ‘Amr bin Nu’man Bayazi. Both these individuals were killed during the battle. This Jewish youth sat amongst the Muslims and raised this discussion to enrage and incite them. The slumbering sentiments of the Aus and Khazraj were impassioned once again, and they became infuriated. They began to quarrel amongst themselves and expressed their superiority over one another. Matters escalated to such a degree that each one of them stood against the members of the other tribe to argue and dispute. Their contention grew. Aus bin Qazih represented the Aus tribe, while Jabbar bin Sakhar represented the Khazraj tribe. During the argument, one of them said that if the other desired, they could reignite this war and begin anew. Thus, both parties were furious and they said that they were ready to fight. On the one hand, they had embraced Islam, but on the other, there remained a hint of ignorance. Furthermore, they promised to fight against one another at Harrah. Medina is situated between two “Harrah’s”. A Harrah refers to a black, rocky landscape. To the east [of Medina] is Harrah Aqim, which is also known as Harrah Banu Quraizah. The other Harrah, situated three miles to the west of Medina, is Harrah al-Waburah. There is one towards the east and one towards the west. There is a distance of three miles between the two. In the meantime, there was slogans of “to your weapons”. Following this, the atmosphere became extremely heated and both sides started to vehemently prepare for war. When the appointed time came, people of both tribes set out towards the designated Harrah. It was well-nigh possible that a bloody battle would break out, however Allah so willed that news of this reached the Holy Prophetsa. Upon learning of this, the Holy Prophetsa immediately gathered some of the

Muhajir companions and went towards the people of Aus and Khazraj. Addressing them all with great wisdom, the Holy Prophetsa stated: “Allah! Allah! You have returned to the ways of ignorance despite the fact that I am present among you and even after Allah has guided you towards Islam. You were bestowed honour through Islam; your practices from the time of ignorance were completely eradicated; you were granted salvation from disbelief and love for one another was instilled in your hearts. Despite all this, you have turned back to your old condition.” These words of the Holy Prophetsa had such an impact upon them that they felt great remorse over their actions and began to cry. The people of Aus and Khazraj who had gathered in order to fight against each other were now embracing one another and showing complete obedience, they returned along with the Holy Prophetsa. These aforementioned details have been recorded in Sirat ibn Hisham. (Ibn Hisham, Sirat Ibn Hisham [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2001], pp. 385286; Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman, Farhang-eSirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], pp. 101-102.) In relation to the Jews violating the terms of their treaty it is written that when Allah the Almighty granted the Muslims an extraordinary victory in the Battle of Badr, the rebellious attitude [of the Jews] became plainly clear and also the jealousy they harboured towards the Holy Prophetsa and the Muslims. Owing to their enmity and hatred, they ended their treaty and began saying, “O Muhammad [sa]! You think that we are like your people? Do not be deceived for you have fought against a people who are unacquainted with the art of war, hence you were able to overcome them. (In other words, they were referring to the Battle of Badr whereby the Muslims defeated the disbelievers of Mecca.) We, however, are courageous. By God, if you fought against us, you will find out that indeed we are real men.” Among the three Jewish tribes, the first among them to break their treaty and show treachery was the Banu Qainuqa. In relation to their mischievous behaviour, there is also an incident where they harassed a Muslim woman. It is written that alongside their enmity towards the Holy Prophetsa, another incident which took place was that the wife of an Ansari companion brought her trade goods to a marketplace of the Banu Qainuqa which consisted of cattle such as camels and goats so that she could sell it and obtain profit from it. She sold her goods in the marketplace of the Banu Qainuqa and then went to a Jewish jeweller shop and sat there looking at some jewellery while she had her face and body covered. In that instance some wicked and dissolute Jewish men insisted that she reveal her face, however she refused. Following this, the owner of the jewellery shop stood up and discreetly tied the corner of her outer covering with something behind her. According to another narration it is mentioned that he attached one part of her outer garment with a nail or a thorn. The lady was completely unaware of this and so when she stood up to leave, her garment came off as it was tied to something and thus revealed her body parts and the Jews began to laugh over this. Owing to this immoral

act, the lady began to scream. A Muslim man was walking past. As soon as he saw this mischievous act of the Jews, he leapt towards the Jewish jeweller and killed him with his sword. Upon this, the Jews attacked the Muslim and killed him. Following this incident, the Muslims had great anger for the Banu Qainuqa. The Holy Prophetsa stated that there was no agreement between the Muslims and this tribe for such an act. Upon this, Hazrat Ubadah bin Samitra stated, “O Messengersa of Allah! I am with Allah, His Messengersa and the Muslims and I no longer take any responsibility for this treaty.” (‘Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 284; Ibn Hisham, Sirat Ibn Hisham [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2001], p. 514.) The Holy Prophetsa tried to advise the Banu Qainuqa but instead of trying to understand the matter, they instead began to openly give threats. The details in relation to this are as follows. The Holy Prophetsa gathered the Banu Qainuqa and said, “O party of Jews! Strive to save yourself from the destruction which Allah shall send down just like He did upon the Quraish on the occasion of Badr. Thus, demonstrate obedience for you know that I am from Allah the Almighty and I am His Messenger and this truth is something you find in your book and in the covenant which Allah took from you.” upon this, they replied, “O Muhammad[sa]! You perhaps think that we are like your people. Do not be deceived for you have fought against a people who are unacquainted with the art of war, thus you were able to easily overcome them. However, by God, if you fought against us you will find out what true bravery is.” In another narration it is mentioned that when the Holy Prophetsa learnt of the violation of the treaty by the Jews on the occasion of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa gathered the Banu Qainuqa in the marketplace and warned them. And it is said that this particular response was with reference to this warning. After this incident, the Jews of Banu Qainuqa left from there and went into their fortress. The Holy Prophetsa set out towards them and appointed Hazrat Abu Lubabahra as his deputy in Medina. The flag of the Holy Prophet was white, which was handed over to his uncle, Hazrat Hamzahra. Subsequently, the Banu Qainuqa were besieged. With regard to the details, it is mentioned that the Holy Prophetsa laid a strict siege on the Jews of Banu Qainuqa for 15 days. He departed for this expedition on 15 Shawal and remained there until the new moon of Dhu al-Qa’dah. (‘Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 285; Mustafa ‘Abd alWahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1993], p. 179.) Allah the Almighty instilled the awe of the Muslims in their hearts. From the Banu Qainuqa, 400 warriors were deployed for the protection of the fort and 300 were clad in armour. Eventually, the Jews became frustrated owing to the siege and sent a request to the Holy Prophetsa that if he allowed them safe passage, they would leave Medina forever. They asked to spare their women and children and that they would leave their wealth and possessions

AL HAKAM | Friday 24 November 2023 behind. This included all their wealth and weapons, etc. The Holy Prophetsa accepted this proposal and ordered them to leave Medina. This has been mentioned in AlSirah al-Halabiyyah. (‘Ali bin Burhan alDin al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2002], pp. 285, 287.) In the majority of the biographies of the Holy Prophetsa there is a narration regarding Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Sulul wherein it states that he visited the Holy Prophetsa many times. Since he was a confederate of the Banu Qainuqa, he continuously tried to intercede on behalf of the Banu Qainuqa and pleaded with the Holy Prophetsa through various means in the hope that he would forgive the Banu Qainuqa, not to kill them and allow them to leave. (Mustafa ‘Abd al-Wahid, Subul al-Huda wa al-Rashad fi Sirat Khair al-‘Ibad, Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1993], pp. 179180; Ibn Hisham, Sirat Ibn Hisham [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2001], p. 514; Sharh al-Zurqani ‘ala al-Mawahib alLaduniyyah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1996], p. 531.) From this narration, it gives the impression that the Holy Prophetsa had decided to kill them but owing to the continuous pleas of Abdullah bin Ubayy they were forgiven. However, this is incorrect. The Holy Prophetsa never intended killing any of their women or children or any of them. In reality, narrations such as this one are dubious. Passing verdict on narrations such as these, a historian named Syed Barakat Ahmad, writes in his book: “After the Jews had thrown down their weapons, when Abdullah bin Ubayy came to the Holy Prophetsa and said: ‘Please deal kindly with my men’, the Holy Prophetsa replied: ‘May you be ruined, leave me.’ Abdullah bin Ubay replied: ‘Absolutely not! By God! I will not let you leave until you assure me that you will deal kindly with my people. Will you kill them? I swear by God that I am sure the circumstances will change.’ The Holy Prophetsa said: ‘Very well, why don’t you take them with you?’ Ibn Ishaq, Waqidi and Ibn Sa’d have all recorded this incident. Reading these three narrations it gives the impression that Abdullah bin Ubay had some influence over the Holy Prophetsa. However, the words Abdullah bin Ubay uttered in his pleas seem ambiguous. From the narration of Ibn Ishaq, there is absolutely no indication from the words of the Holy Prophetsa that he intended to kill the Banu Qainuqa. (It is not proven from one historian.) But this is most explicitly indicated by Waqidi and Ibn Sa’d has mentioned the same narration. However, in this regard we must keep in mind that even though the Holy Prophetsa was a political leader, he never dealt harshly with his enemies. He disliked violence and if he ever set foot on a battlefield, it was only because he was compelled to do so. Even on the battlefield, he avoided unnecessary bloodshed.” (Rasul-e-Akramsa awr Yahud Hijaz, Sayed Barakat Ahmad [Lahore: Maktabah ‘Aliyah], pp. 98-99.) Nonetheless, they laid a siege and the Banu Qainuqa sought his protection. It was for this reason the Banu Qainuqa were exiled. The details of this are that in accordance with their plea, this Jewish tribe was exiled. The Holy Prophetsa appointed Ubadah bin Samitra to oversee the arrangements of their

exile and gave them three days of respite to leave Medina. And so they left Medina within three days. According to one narration, the Jews asked for more time, but the Holy Prophetsa did not give them even one hour more and sent them away under his own supervision. They left Medina and headed towards Azriyat, the name of a town in the Levant area. According to one narration, Hazrat Muhammad bin Maslamahra was detailed to oversee their exile. It is quite possible that both of them were assigned to oversee the arrangements. Nonetheless, when the Jews left, many weapons were found. This is because among the Jewish tribes, they were the wealthiest and also were the most brave and skilled in warfare. From among the weapons, the Holy Prophetsa chose three bows, two chainmails, three swords and three spears for himself. The names of the bows were Katum, Rauha and Baida. Katum was broken in the Battle of Uhud. The two chainmails were called Saghdiyah and Fidda. In addition to this, there were three spears and three swords. One sword was named Qalai’, the other was Battar, whereas the third was not named. This is narrated in Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah. (‘Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 287; Yaqut Ibn ‘Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu’jam al-Buldan, Vol. 1 [Maktabat al-Masriyyah], p. 165.) Regarding the expedition of Banu Qainuqa, it is written in The Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets: “When the Holy Prophetsa migrated from Mecca and arrived in Medina, there were three tribes among the Jews, which inhabited Medina at the time. Their names were the Banu Qainuqa, Banu Nadir and Banu Quraizah. As soon as the Holy Prophetsa came to Medina, he settled treaties of peace and security with these tribes, and lay the foundation for peaceful and harmonious cohabitation. By virtue of agreement, all parties were responsible for maintaining peace and security in Medina, and if a foreign enemy was to attack Medina, everyone was collectively responsible for its defence. In the beginning, the Jews conformed to the treaty, and at least openly, did not create conflict with the Muslims. However, when they began to notice that the Muslims were continuing to gain strength in Medina, they began to change their attitude and firmly resolved to bring an end to this growing power of the Muslims. To this end, they began to employ all sorts of lawful and unlawful schemes, so much so that they did not even hold back from an attempt to create rift among the Muslims and thus instigate a civil war. As such, there is a narration that on one occasion a large group of people from the tribes of Aus and Khazraj were sitting together and conversing with love and harmony, when a mischievous Jew reached this gathering and began to mention the Battle of Bu‘ath. This was the horrific war which took place between these two tribes a few years prior to the migration, and in which many people from among the Aus and Khazraj were slain at the hands of one another. (This has been mentioned in detail earlier.) As soon as this war was mentioned, memories of the past were refreshed and scenes of ancient enmity began to run before the eyes of various emotional people. The result was that

from satirical remarks, taunt and slander, the matter escalated to such an extent that both parties found themselves at daggers drawn in the very same gathering. Thank God, however, that the Holy Prophetsa was notified in due time and he immediately arrived at the scene with a community of the Muhajirin and calmed both parties down; and rebuked them as well saying, “‘Do you follow a way of ignorance while I am amongst you? You do not value the favour of God that through Islam He has made you brothers.’ “The Ansar were so deeply moved by this admonition that their eyes began to flow with tears, and they began to embrace one another whilst repenting for their action. “When the Battle of Badr had taken place and Allah the Exalted, in His Grace, granted a convincing victory to the Muslims, despite their being few and without means over a very fierce army of the Quraish, and the prominent leaders of Mecca were mixed to dust, the Jews of Medina went up in flames of jealousy. They began to openly hurl stinging comments at the Muslims and publicly asserted in gatherings that, ‘So what if you have defeated the army of the Quraish. Let Muhammad[sa] fight us and we shall show him how wars are fought.’ This escalated to such an extent that in one gathering they even uttered such words in the very presence of the Holy Prophetsa. As such, there is a narration that after the Battle of Badr, when the Holy Prophetsa returned to Medina, one day, he gathered the Jews and admonished them and whilst presenting his claim, invited them to Islam. The chieftains among the Jews responded to this peaceful and sympathetic address of the Holy Prophetsa in the following words, ‘O Muhammad[sa], it seems that you have perhaps become arrogant after killing a few Quraish. Those people were inexperienced in the art of war. If you were to fight us, you would come to know the real likes of warriors.’ “The Jews did not rest upon a mere threat, rather, it seems as if they even began to hatch conspiracies to assassinate the Holy Prophetsa. There is a narration that in those days when a faithful Companion by the name of Talhah bin Barra’ra was about to pass away, he bequeathed that ‘If I die at night, the Holy Prophetsa should not be notified about my funeral prayer, lest a misfortune befalls the Holy Prophetsa at the hands of the Jews on my account.’ “Therefore, after the Battle of Badr, the Jews openly began to fuel mischief, and among the Jews of Medina, since the Banu Qainuqa were the most powerful and bold, it was they who first began to breach the treaty. As such, historians write: “‘Among the Jews of Medina, the Banu Qainuqa were the first to break the treaty which had been settled between them and the Holy Prophetsa. After Badr, they began to rebel fiercely and openly expressed their rancour and malice and broke their treaty and agreement.’ “However, despite such events, under the guidance of their Master, the Muslims demonstrated patience in every way and did not allow themselves to take the lead in any respect. It is narrated in a Hadith that after the treaty which had been settled with the Jews, the Holy Prophetsa would even take special care to protect their sentiments. (from their side they expressed enmity, but

the Holy Prophetsa would still protect their sentiments) On one occasion an argument broke out between a Muslim and a Jew. The Jew asserted the superiority of Mosesas above all the other Prophets. The Companion was angered by this and he dealt somewhat harshly with that person replying that the Holy Prophetsa was the most superior of all the Messengers. When the Holy Prophetsa was informed of this, he was displeased and rebuked the Companion saying, ‘It is not your task to go about speaking of the superiority of God’s Messengers in comparison to one another.’ “Then, the Holy Prophetsa mentioned a partial superiority of Mosesas and consoled the Jew. However, despite this loving conduct of the Holy Prophetsa, the Jews continued to escalate in their mischief. Eventually, it was the Jews who created a cause for war and their heart-felt animosity could not be tamed. What happened was that a Muslim lady went to the shop of a Jew in the market in order to purchase some goods (as has been mentioned in detail already) A few evil Jews, who were then sitting at the shop began to harass her in a most mischievous manner and even the shopkeeper himself committed the evil deed that while the lady was unaware, he attached the lower corner of her skirt to the mantle on her back with a thorn or something of that sort. “As a result, when the lady stood up to leave due to their rude behaviour, the lower part of her body became exposed at which the Jewish shopkeeper and his accomplices burst out in laughter. Outraged, the Muslim lady screamed and appealed for help. It so happened that a Muslim was present nearby. He dashed to the scene and in a mutual altercation, the Jewish shopkeeper was killed. Upon this, the Muslim was showered with swords from all directions and this remarkably indignant Muslim was put to death. When the Muslims were informed of this event in national indignation, their eyes gorged with blood in rage. On the other hand, the Jews who desired to make this incident an excuse to fight, congregated in the form of a crowd and a state of riot broke out. When the Holy Prophetsa was informed of this, he gathered the chieftains of the Banu Qainuqa and explained that such behaviour was not appropriate (just look at the manner in which the Holy Prophetsa responded and tried to diffuse the situation) and that they should refrain from such mischief and fear God. Instead of expressing disappointment and remorse, they responded with very refractory answers and repeated their earlier threat that, ‘Do not become arrogant over your victory at Badr. When you are to fight us you shall come to know the real likes of warriors.’ “Left with no other choice, the Holy Prophetsa set out towards the fortresses of the Banu Qainuqa with a force of Companions. Now this was the last opportunity for them to express remorse over their actions, (when the Holy Prophetsa set off, even if they sought forgiveness then the matter would have been finished) but instead, they stood ready for war. Therefore, war was declared and the forces of Islam and Judaism came forth to battle one another. According to the custom of that era, a method of warfare was that one party would secure themselves within their fortresses and wait. The opposing force would besiege the fortress and whenever an opportunity presented itself, now and

Friday 24 November 2023 | AL HAKAM

then, attacks would be launched against one another. This would continue until the surrounding army would either lose hope in capturing the fortress and lift the siege, and this would be considered a victory to the ones besieged; or being unable to muster the strength to fend off the onslaught, the besieged force would open the gates of their fortress and hand themselves over to the victors. On this occasion, the Banu Qainuqa employed the same tactic, and closed themselves within their own fortresses. The Holy Prophetsa besieged them and this siege continued for 15 days without fail. Finally, when all the strength and arrogance of the Banu Qainuqa had been shattered, they opened the gates of their fortresses on the condition that though their wealth would belong to the Muslims, their lives and families would be spared. The Holy Prophetsa accepted this condition, even though according to Mosaic law, all of these people were liable to be put to death, and according to the initial agreement, the judgement of the Mosaic law should have been administered to them. However, since this was the first crime committed by this nation, as a first course of action, the merciful and forgiving disposition of the Holy Prophetsa could never be inclined towards an extreme punishment, which should only imposed as a final remedy. However, on the other hand, allowing such a treacherous and rebellious tribe to remain in Medina was no less than nurturing a snake in the grass, especially when a group of hypocrites from among the Aus and Khazraj were already present within Medina, and from the exterior as well, the opposition of the whole of Arabia had greatly distressed the Muslims. In such circumstances, the only judgement which the Holy Prophetsa could pass was for the Banu Qainuqa to leave Medina. In comparison to their crime and taking into account the circumstances of that era, this was a very mild punishment. Furthermore, the purpose of this punishment was the security of Medina. Nonetheless, for the nomadic tribes of Arabia it was nothing out of the ordinary to move from one place to another, especially when a tribe did not own any properties in the form of land and orchards - and the Banu Qainuqa had none. (they did not possess any property that they could not move, such as land etc which they depended upon) The entire tribe was given the opportunity to leave one place and settle somewhere else, with great peace and security. As such, the Banu Qainuqa very peacefully left Medina and settled towards Syria. The Holy Prophetsa assigned the task of overseeing the necessary arrangements, etc. associated with their departure to a Companion named ‘Ubadah bin Samitra who was from among their confederates. ‘Ubadah bin Samitra escorted the Banu Qainuqa for a few Manzils [one day’s journey] and after safely sending them off, he returned. The spoils which were attained by the Muslims consisted only of weaponry and instruments of their profession, which was that of goldsmith. “It has been related in various narrations with respect to the Banu Qainuqa that when they opened the gates of their fortresses and handed themselves to the Holy Prophetsa, due to their treachery, rebellion and

mischief, it was the intention of the Holy Prophetsa to execute their combatant men, but on the intercession of ‘Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Sulul, chief of the hypocrites, the Holy Prophetsa abandoned this intention. However, research scholars have not accepted these narrations as being authentic. The reason being that when other narrations explicitly mention that the Banu Qainuqa opened their gates on the condition that their lives and the lives of their families would be spared, it is absolutely impossible to accept that after having accepted this condition, the Holy Prophetsa would follow any other course of action. As a matter of fact, even the condition presented by the Banu Qainuqa that their lives would be spared demonstrates the fact that they themselves knew that their rightful punishment was death. However, they appealed to the mercy of the Holy Prophetsa and they were willing to open the gate of their fortress after receiving the assurance that they would not incur the death penalty. However, although the Holy Prophetsa forgave them due to his merciful disposition, it seems as if in the estimation of God the Exalted, these people were no longer worthy of being left alive on the face of the earth, on account of their evil deeds and crimes. As such, there is a narration that less than one year had passed since the relocation of these people to their place of exile, that an epidemic, broke out among them whereby the entire tribe fell victim to it and was mixed to dust. “There is a slight difference of opinion with regards to the date of the expedition of Banu Qainuqa. Waqidi and Ibni Sa‘d have stated that it took place in Shawwal 2 AH, and contemporary historians have primarily followed suit. However, Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham have placed it after the Ghazwah of Sawiq, which is confirmed to have taken place in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah 2 AH. An indication is also found in one narration of Hadith, which establishes that the Ghazwah of Banu Qainuqa took place after the Rukhsatanah of Hazrat Fatimahra. In this narration, it is mentioned that in order to arrange for the expenses of the Walimah, Hazrat ‘Alira proposed to take along a Jewish goldsmith from the Banu Qainuqa and go to the forest so that he might procure some grass known as ‘Idhkhar’ and then sell it to the goldsmiths of Medina. This proves that until the Rukhsatanah of Hazrat Fatimahra, which according to all historians, took place near Dhul-Hijjah 2 AH, the Banu Qainuqa were still present in Medina. “It is on the basis of these reasons (Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib says) that I have placed the Ghazwah of Banu Qainuqa in late 2 AH, after the Ghazwah of Sawiq and the Rukhsatanah of Hazrat Fatimahra. “At this occasion, it would also be appropriate to mention that whilst describing the cause leading up to the Ghazwah of Banu Qainuqa‘, Mr Margoliouth has concocted a most strange and unusual theory of his own accord, which is not even remotely alluded to in a single narration. There is a narration in Bukhari that in a state of intoxication (until then, drinking had not yet been forbidden), Hazrat Hamzahra killed two camels belonging to Hazrat ‘Alira, which he had received from the spoils of

Badr. Attaching this separate incident to the Ghazwah of Banu Qainuqa, without any historical evidence whatsoever, Mr Margoliouth writes that the Holy Prophetsa invaded the tribe of Banu Qainuqa so that the spoils would compensate for the loss sustained by Hazrat ‘Alira. (He connected this baseless account) Such audacity in historical writing is perhaps a feat which speaks for itself. Then, the irony is that Mr Margoliouth himself accepts the fact that he has written this on the basis of his own speculation.” (Life & Character of the Seal of Prophet, Vol. 2, pp. 284-291) Meaning that he could not find any references but it was based on his own speculation. There was no other reason for waging a war against the tribe for the sake of two camels. Their thinking is very strange. The malice and rancour harboured by orientalists and non-Muslim historians for Islam is so great that they easily present a completely distorted version of Islamic history and this is witnessed in many instances. Nonetheless, the other accounts relating to this will be mentioned in the future, God Willing. I wish to remind you all to pray in light of the current situation of the world. As a result of the war between Hamas and Israel, the martyrdoms of innocent Palestinian women and children continue to increase. The swiftness with which the conditions of war are increasing, and the policies which Israel and the major governments of the world are adopting, make a World War an imminent reality. Now, the leaders of some Muslim countries have started openly declaring, as well as Russia, China, and even Western commentators are stating that the scope of this war is expanding. If a wise policy is not adopted immediately, then the world will be destroyed. Everything is appearing on the news, and you are all aware of the situation. Thus, Ahmadis should especially focus on praying. They should not become relaxed. At least one prostration in every prayer, or at least one prostration in any one of the prayers should be spent in supplication for this [situation]. There is no leader in any Western country who wishes to act with justice in this matter, nor do they have the courage to say anything. Ahmadis should not engage in discussions about which country’s leader is good and which one is not, and that Muslims shouldn’t speak against such and such person; because these are all futile discussions. Until someone does not have the courage to try and bring an end to this war, they are responsible for leading the world towards ruin. Thus, along with prayers, you should try and spread the message around you that injustices must be brought to an end. If an Ahmadi has connections with people, then they should explain this to them. This is courage, this is the standard of obeying the commandments of Allah the Almighty. Representatives of the Israeli government say that Hamas killed their innocent civilians and so they will take revenge. However, this revenge has now exceeded all limits. Four to

five times more Palestinian lives have been lost compared to the reported number of Israelis who lost their lives. If their target is to eradicate Hamas, as they claim, then they should fight directly with them. Why are they targeting women, children and the elderly? Furthermore, they have deprived civilians of water, food and medical aid. This is where all their claims of human rights and the rules of war of these nations falter. There are some people who draw attention towards these things. For example, recently, former American President, Mr Obama said that even if war must be fought, it should be fought in accordance with the rules of war, and civilians should not be made to endure injustices. The Secretary General of the United Nations also spoke up [regarding this], upon which the Israeli government expressed its displeasure. The claimants of peace in the rest of the world, those who consider themselves to be the greatest champions of peace, did not say anything in support of the Secretary General’s statement. Rather, they expressed their displeasure. Whatever the case may be, the situation is precarious, and is constantly becoming more precarious. The Western media is actively promoting one side of the story, and briefly presents the other side’s story in a corner. For example, recently among the women who were freed [by Hamas], one woman said that she was treated well during imprisonment. This report was buried in a corner, and another statement that imprisonment under Hamas was hell, constantly made headlines. Justice demands that the entire situation should be presented so that the world can determine for themselves as to who is the oppressor, who is the oppressed, to what extent this war is warranted, and when it should end. Hence, the entire situation should be presented to the world, not just one-sided opinions. In any case, we must focus a great deal on prayers. We should strive to end injustices within our own circles along with prayers. We should pray for the oppressed Muslims, and that Muslim governments are able to come up with a comprehensive and lasting plan. There should be a distinct pain in our hearts for Muslims to be alleviated of hardships. We have accepted the Promised Messiahas who – despite the fact that we endure difficulties inflicted by Muslims expressed his sentiments for them in the following words: ‫اے دل وت زین اخرط اانین اگنہ دار‬ ‫ربمیپؐم‬ ؐ ‫اکرخ دننک دوعےئ بح‬ “O heart, be considerate towards them; For they claim to love my Prophetsa.” [Izalae-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 182] Thus, our love for the Holy Prophetsa demands that we pray a great deal for Muslims. May Allah the Almighty enable us to do so, and may Allah grant understanding to the Muslims and the whole world. (Official Urdu transcript published in the Daily Al Fazl International, 17 November 2023, pp. 2-7. Translated by The Review of Religions.)